When Messi Met Richie: The Full-Circle Story Behind Football’s Greatest Name

In a heartwarming crossover between the worlds of sport and music, Lionel Messi – one of football’s all-time greats – finally met the man who inspired his legendary name: pop icon Lionel Richie. The much-anticipated encounter took place in Miami, right after Inter Miami’s 3-1 victory over LAFC, a result that pushed Messi’s club into the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals. Yet, for many, the true highlight happened not on the pitch, but in the glow of celebrity camaraderie backstage.

The story behind Messi's name has long been folklore among fans. Messi’s father Jorge, an avid admirer of Lionel Richie’s music, originally intended to name his son ‘Leonel’. However, in a whimsical twist, the name was updated to ‘Lionel’ as a direct tribute to the American singer-songwriter. This charming detail was confirmed by Messi's mother, Celia Cuccittini, who described herself as a devoted fan of Richie’s soulful tunes such as “Dancing on the Ceiling.”

The significance wasn’t lost on Richie either. As he shook hands with Messi, the singer was clearly moved, calling the moment "When Lionel meets Lionel!" on social media. Richie added, “His mother named him after me…and now here we are. Great meeting you after all these years.” Their lighthearted exchange reportedly included Richie joking that although Messi can’t sing, he himself can’t play football—a moment met with shared laughter and widespread delight.

While the lightheartedness prevailed, some fans expressed scepticism online, with questions like “Where did this Messi lore come from?” and “Imagine being named after Lionel Richie.” However, Richie himself clarified that he had heard of the naming story as far back as 2014 and took it as a “huge honour.” His own words after Argentina’s defeat in the Copa America final – "If I told you how many times I lost at the Grammies, and it only made me do one thing—get better. I’m not worried about my namesake—he’s going to be just fine. He’s a winner obviously. I’m sure he’s down right now but he’s a Lionel, he can’t go wrong” – only strengthened the charming link between the two icons.

The meeting stands as more than just a celebrity handshake. It’s a celebration of how personal inspirations ripple through generations, shaping giants in ways few could have predicted. The world watched as the story came full circle—a global superstar meeting his namesake, with both men grinning in a moment that brought together fans of music and football alike.

This sweet encounter is a reminder of the unexpected ways culture, sport, and music interconnect, and how the legends we admire can influence not just styles, but identities themselves. Is there a story behind your favourite icon’s name? Join the conversation and share your thoughts below!

• Inter Miami
• Lionel Messi
• Lionel Richie