Legendary singer Lionel Richie, 77, was admitted to the intensive care unit of a hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, after suffering from mild dehydration. The artist, who was on tour with Earth, Wind & Fire, remains under medical observation and is expected to be discharged this Tuesday. We also revisit the incredible anecdote that links him to Lionel Messi.

The music world was shaken this Monday by the news that Lionel Richie, the iconic American singer, 77, was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of a hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, according to sources close to the artist who spoke to media outlets such as TMZ and The Hollywood Reporter.

The admission occurred on Saturday, August 29, 2026, after his performance at the The Muny amphitheater in Forest Park, as part of the “Sing a Song All Night Long” tour he shares with the legendary band Earth, Wind & Fire. According to initial reports, the reason for the hospitalization was possible mild dehydration, although the artist remains under strict medical observation.

A Show That Worried Everyone

During the concert at The Muny, Richie showed signs of exhaustion. At one point in the show, he asked for a chair to sit down while performing his classic “All Night Long”, the song that usually closes his performances. Despite the audience's concern, the artist completed the show, but hours later he was taken to the hospital as a precaution.

This is not the first health scare for the singer in recent months. On June 24, 2026, Richie had interrupted a concert in St. Paul, Minnesota, due to dizziness, and was taken to a local hospital for check-ups. On that occasion, he returned to the stage on June 30, demonstrating his resilience and love for his audience.

Encouraging Prognosis and Upcoming Shows

According to the consulted sources, Lionel Richie is expected to be discharged this Tuesday, September 1, 2026. His next concert is scheduled for September 26 in San Francisco, and so far it has not been canceled, which gives hope for a speedy recovery.

The “Sing a Song All Night Long” tour has been a resounding success, bringing together two generations of soul and funk music. The combination of Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire has filled stadiums across the United States, and fans hope the singer can continue with the planned schedule.

The Incredible Connection with Lionel Messi

Amid the concern over his health, an anecdote that few know has resurfaced: Lionel Messi was named in honor of Lionel Richie. The father of the Argentine star, Jorge Messi, was a great admirer of the American singer and decided to name his son “Lionel” in his honor.

The story became public when Richie and Messi met in 2025, after a match of Inter Miami, the club where the captain of the Argentine national team plays. At that meeting, the singer confessed to feeling “honored” that the best footballer in the world bore his name, and the anecdote was etched in the memory of fans of both.

This unexpected connection between music and football has gone around the world, and now, with Richie's hospitalization, Messi's followers have also shown their support for the artist on social media.

Key Facts of the News

  • Artist: Lionel Richie, 77 years old.
  • Event: Admitted to ICU in St. Louis, Missouri.
  • Admission date: Saturday, August 29, 2026.
  • Reason: Possible mild dehydration.
  • Context: After a show at The Muny, Forest Park, with Earth, Wind & Fire.
  • Background: Dizziness at a concert in St. Paul, Minnesota, on June 24, 2026.
  • Prognosis: Discharge expected for September 1, 2026.
  • Next show: September 26 in San Francisco (not canceled).
  • Connection with Messi: Lionel Messi was named in honor of Lionel Richie; they met in 2025.