In a touching gesture, Shakira took to her official Instagram account to congratulate Lionel Messi after he became the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history. Messi's remarkable achievement came on Monday when he scored twice against Austria at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
The Colombian pop star tagged @leomessi and expressed her admiration: "So proud of you, Leo, and everything you're achieving for your family, your country, and all Latinos!!! Your dedication and commitment are an inspiration to many. Keep shining!"
Messi's two goals led Argentina to a 2-0 victory over Austria, bringing his World Cup total to 18 goals, surpassing Germany's Miroslav Klose, who held the record with 16 since the Brazil 2014 tournament.
Shakira's Stadium Presence
Shakira didn't just celebrate on social media; she was present at the match with her sons, Milan and Sasha. Television cameras captured her excitement three times during the game.
Her first appearance was early in the second half when Milan hugged and kissed her, prompting a massive ovation from the 80,000 spectators. Six minutes later, she appeared again with her children, receiving more applause as she waved and blew kisses to the crowd.
With twenty minutes left in the match, Shakira was seen for the third time, solidifying her presence as one of the day's highlights on social media.
A Historical Connection to the World Cup
Shakira's link to the World Cup is longstanding: she headlined the 2026 tournament's opening ceremony on June 11 at Mexico City's Estadio Azteca, performing "Dai Dai" with Burna Boy. She is the only artist with four official World Cup songs, following "Waka Waka" in South Africa 2010 and "La La La" in Brazil 2014.
Shakira and Messi's relationship also has a personal chapter. They shared years within the FC Barcelona circle, where Messi and Gerard Piqué, Shakira's former partner, were teammates and close friends. After Shakira and Piqué's split in 2022, the singer renewed her friendship with the Messi family.
Messi's double against Austria also matched the feat of scoring in six consecutive World Cup matches, a record previously held only by Just Fontaine and Jairzinho.
Argentina's World Cup Journey
Defending their title from Qatar 2022, Argentina has secured a spot in the round of 16 as the top team in Group J, with six points from two matches. Their next game at the Dallas Stadium is scheduled for Saturday against Algeria.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shakira and Messi
How many World Cup goals has Lionel Messi scored?
Lionel Messi has scored 18 goals in World Cup history, making him the all-time leading scorer in the tournament.
What is Shakira's connection to the World Cup?
Shakira is closely associated with the World Cup, having performed at multiple opening ceremonies and contributing four official songs to the tournament.
What was the outcome of the Argentina vs. Austria match?
Argentina defeated Austria 2-0, with Lionel Messi scoring both goals to secure the victory.