Leonardo DiCaprio, the Oscar-winning actor known for his environmental activism and A-list status, has once again shown his deep appreciation for Lionel Messi by sending a thoughtful gift to the entire Inter Miami roster ahead of the 2026 MLS season. The gesture, delivered discreetly to the team’s training facility in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, arrived just days after Inter Miami wrapped up their preseason tour in South America and returned to preparations for what promises to be a highly anticipated campaign. Sources close to the club describe the package as a collection of high-end, personalized items designed to motivate and unite the team, with a particularly touching element reserved for the Argentine captain.

The gift included custom-engraved motivational plaques for each player, featuring quotes about perseverance, teamwork, and excellence—values DiCaprio has often spoken about in interviews. Each plaque bore the recipient’s name and a small message from the actor himself, encouraging them to “chase greatness on and off the field.” Accompanying the plaques were premium eco-friendly training accessories, including sustainable water bottles and recovery gear from brands aligned with DiCaprio’s environmental initiatives. The items were presented in sleek, branded packaging that highlighted unity and ambition, mirroring the Hollywood star’s own drive for impact beyond entertainment.

What truly elevated the surprise was the handwritten note addressed specifically to Lionel Messi. In elegant script on premium paper, DiCaprio wrote a personal message praising Messi’s influence not just as a footballer but as a global icon of humility and inspiration. The note reportedly read in part: “Leo, you’ve redefined what it means to be the greatest—on the pitch and in how you carry yourself. Watching you lead Inter Miami is a reminder that true legends elevate everyone around them. Keep shining; the world needs more of your light. With admiration, Leo.” The use of “Leo” for both created a warm, almost brotherly tone that touched those who saw it shared in the locker room.

Inter Miami players and staff were genuinely surprised by the arrival. Messi, known for his low-key demeanor, reportedly smiled broadly upon reading the note, showing it to close teammates like Luis Suárez and Sergio Busquets before tucking it away. Coach Javier Mascherano, who took over after Tata Martino’s departure, praised the gesture in a team meeting, noting how such external recognition boosts morale at a critical time. The 2026 season marks a pivotal year for the club, with expanded rosters, new signings, and high expectations following Messi’s transformative impact since joining in 2023.

DiCaprio’s connection to Messi and Inter Miami stems from years of mutual respect. The actor has attended multiple Inter Miami matches, including high-profile games against LAFC where he was spotted in the stands alongside other celebrities like Selena Gomez and Prince Harry. In a recent press tour for his upcoming film “One Battle After Another,” DiCaprio publicly called Messi “a legend” and one of the few true icons left in sports and culture. Their paths have crossed indirectly through shared circles in Miami, where DiCaprio owns property and frequently visits. The gift appears to be an extension of that admiration, timed perfectly to rally the squad as they aim for MLS Cup contention and deeper runs in international competitions.

The gesture aligns with DiCaprio’s philanthropy. A longtime advocate for climate action through his foundation, he often incorporates sustainability into his gifts and endorsements. By choosing eco-conscious items, the package subtly promoted environmental awareness among the players, many of whom have spoken about social causes. Messi himself has supported charitable efforts, including UNICEF work and youth development in Argentina, making the alignment meaningful.

Reactions within the club were overwhelmingly positive. Players posted subtle nods on social media—stories of the plaques without revealing details—while fans caught wind through leaks and began trending hashtags like #LeoToLeo and #DiCaprioMessi. The story quickly spread across football and entertainment circles, with outlets praising it as a rare crossover of genuine respect between two fields. It humanizes both figures: DiCaprio as more than a movie star, and Messi as someone whose influence extends far beyond the pitch.

For Inter Miami, the timing couldn’t be better. Coming off a strong preseason where Messi dazzled in friendlies, the team faces a grueling schedule with new roster depth and pressure to deliver silverware. External motivation like this can foster unity, especially in a squad blending global superstars with emerging talents. Messi’s leadership style—quiet, example-driven—resonates with DiCaprio’s own approach to his craft, perhaps explaining the depth of the message.

This isn’t the first time celebrities have rallied around Inter Miami since Messi’s arrival. David Beckham’s vision for the club has attracted A-listers, turning DRV PNK Stadium into a hotspot for stars. Yet DiCaprio’s gesture stands out for its thoughtfulness and personalization, avoiding flashy spectacle in favor of meaningful encouragement.

As the 2026 season approaches, Inter Miami carries this boost forward. The gift serves as a reminder that Messi’s presence elevates not just the team but the entire league’s profile. In a world where sports and entertainment increasingly intersect, moments like this bridge gaps, inspire fans, and reinforce why icons endure.

DiCaprio’s surprise package and heartfelt note for Messi encapsulate admiration across boundaries. It’s more than a gift—it’s fuel for a season of ambition, proving that even Hollywood royalty recognizes true greatness when they see it.