Shakira celebrates Messi after Argentina's final spot triumph; credits Antonela's support, strength
Los Angeles, July 17
Pop queen Shakira turned cheerleader, passionately celebrating Lionel Messi and Argentina's thrilling comeback victory over England in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal in Atlanta.
The singer, through a social media post, praised Messi's extraordinary performance and wrote, "What @leomessi is doing is beyond extraordinary! It shows the values of a man who is deeply committed and disciplined, challenging times and all odds. Proving that a person is not defined by age or by what others say."
Shakira also credited Messi's wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, for being a source of strength and inspiration behind the Argentine legend's continued success.
"And I know that having a woman like @antonelaroccuzzo by his side gives him the strength and inspiration to prove that!" she added.
Earlier, Messi also celebrated Argentina's qualification for the World Cup final, praising the team's resilience and performance while thanking supporters for their continued belief in the squad.
He said, "WE'RE IN THE FINAL!!!!! We dug deep once again to put in another great performance. A huge thank you to everyone who believed in this group!!! Let's go Argentina!!!!"
The result sent Argentina into the World Cup 2026 final, where they will face Spain on Sunday, July 19 (local time), while England's hopes of reaching their first World Cup final since 1966 came to a heartbreaking end.
Meanwhile, Shakira, alongside the likes of Justin Bieber, Madonna, and BTS, is set to perform at the World Cup final.
Bieber has been announced as the final co-headliner, joining the previously confirmed trio of Madonna, Shakira and BTS for what FIFA is positioning as a landmark event that blends football and music on the sport's biggest stage.
The halftime show will also feature performances and appearances by Burna Boy, renowned conductor Gustavo Dudamel, and the PS22 Chorus featuring Coldplay.
American singer and rapper Post Malone is also set to headline the closing ceremony of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While I admire Messi's greatness, can we stop making everything about the wife behind the man? Antonela is awesome, but let's appreciate her for her own achievements, not just as Messi's cheerleader. Shakira's sentiment is sweet but feels a bit dated, like the typical Indian "behind every successful man..." speech. No offense intended, just my honest take.
This writer is from India and publishing this about a World Cup in USA with Shakira and Bieber? Man, we have our own cricket World Cup coming! 😂 But seriously, that Argentina-England semifinal was edge-of-the-seat stuff. Messi at 38 still doing this - absolute legend. And the final lineup with Shakira, Bieber, BTS, Madonna? That's going to be one heck of a football party!
As a Canadian, I'm just thrilled to see the World Cup finally coming to North America! But this is Messi's moment - and Shakira's tribute is so touching. That "not defined by age" line hits hard for athletes everywhere. Can't wait for the final! 🇨🇦❤️⚽
Look, I'm a die-hard cricket fan but even I had to watch that semifinal. Messi's passion is contagious - reminds me of Dhoni's calmness under pressure. Argentina vs Spain in the final? That's going to be a cracker! And the halftime show lineup is mind-blowing. Shakira, BTS, Madonna, Justin Bieber all together - yaar, this World Cup final is going to be action-packed on and off the field! 🔥
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