Lionel Messi is among several high-profile figures at the Miami Grand Prix, as the soccer icon was seen arriving for the race with his wife Antonella and their three sons. The Formula 1 showpiece has been moved forward by three hours on Sunday, with race officials rescheduling from 4pm ET to 1pm due to the threat of a potential thunderstorm later in the day.
Less than two hours before the earlier start, Messi and his family were spotted entering the Miami International Autodrome alongside a host of A-list celebrities. At one point, the Argentina World Cup winner, currently in his fourth season with Inter Miami, posed for a photo with actress Maia Reficco, who is the girlfriend of Alpine driver Franco Colapinto.
Messi is not the only sporting legend in attendance for Sunday's race. Tennis great Rafael Nadal is also set to enjoy the F1 action. Nadal was seen chatting with Spanish drivers Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz at the Autodrome, as well as LIV Golf star Jon Rahm.
Several non-sporting celebrities are also present at the Miami Grand Prix, including late-night talk show host Jimmy Fallon and rapper DJ Khaled.
F1 bosses have taken the unusual precaution of moving Sunday's Miami Grand Prix forward to avoid a forecast thunderstorm that could wash out the race. A statement from the FIA, Formula One, and Miami Grand Prix confirmed: "The decision has been taken to move the start of Sunday's Miami Grand Prix to 1pm in Miami. This decision has been taken to ensure the least amount of disruption to the race, and to ensure the maximum possible window to complete the Grand Prix in the best conditions and to prioritise the safety of drivers, fans, teams, and staff."
The decision was made between the governing FIA and Formula One Management after qualifying on Saturday night. The risk of thunderstorms is particularly relevant in Florida, where state law mandates that major events must be postponed or cancelled if lightning strikes. With lightning predicted from 3pm, teams were informed of the change and were happy to comply.
