Photo: Megan Briggs / Stringer/ Getty Images

Lindsey Vonn Praises Leo Messi at Inter Miami Game

Originally posted on Powder | By Matt Lorelli | Last updated May 5, 2025 10:00 AM ET

Fresh off an incredible comeback season at age 40 that included a second place finish in the World Cup Finals held in Sun Valley, Idaho back in March, Lindsey Vonn is firmly back in the mainstream's focus.

Vonn spends a significant amount of time each year in Miami (she owned at least one $4mm property with ex-boyfriend Diego Osorio as recently as 2024), and was asked on Sunday, May 4, 2025 to participate in the honorary coin toss ahead of a match between Inter Miami CF and New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer.

Vonn is one of Red Bull's top sponsored athletes, and was shown holding a Red Bull can and wearing a branded hat for the photo opportunity. Red Bull is the primary owner of the New York Red Bulls soccer team that was playing in the match.

Inter Miami CF's global superstar and arguably the best soccer player of all-time, Lionel (Leo) Messi, was on-hand for the coin toss. He shook Vonn's hand and greeted her prior to the toss.

Vonn expressed her excitement about the event in the social media video's caption, "Met up with the @newyorkredbulls and the GOAT @leomessi to do the honorary coin toss at the @intermiamicf vs @nyredbulls1 match last night. Might need to practice my coin tossing skills a little more but wow, that was special!"

Tap or click below to watch the quick interaction between Vonn and Messi from over the weekend.

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Messi's team won the match 4-1, and he picked up an impressive goal. It was his fourth goal in the young MLS season. Inter Miami is in fourth place in the Eastern Conference with 21 points. They trail conference leader Columbus Crew by just three points with 23 matches left to play.

Inter Miami's matches have turned into a who's who of celebrity cameos thanks to Leo Messi. Rappers, actors, politicians, and now professional skiers have all participated in the honorary coin toss to snap a pic with the GOAT, Leo Messi.

It almost feeds odd to see Vonn thrust into the spotlight at the same level as some of these mega-stars, but it's a testament to her impact on American culture. She has truly transcended skiing, and should be celebrated for it.

Vonn told Olympics.com that she feels, "optimistic" ahead of her attempt to qualify for the Winter 2026 Olympics in Milano-Cortina. She will be 41 years old at the games should she qualify, but that doesn't seem to be of concern.

She offered an optimistic quote following her success at Sun Valley at the end of the Winter 24/25 season, “I have had very few opportunities in my life to race a speed event in the United States, and so I wanted to maximize that opportunity," Vonn told Olympics.com. "And I think that also gives me confidence going to Cortina and knowing that I can perform when the pressure is high, I still have what it takes. And of course I have to qualify, but after today, I feel really optimistic about my chances.”

This article first appeared on Powder and was syndicated with permission.

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