Shakira hails Lionel Messi ahead of World Cup final, says he is 'beyond extraordinary'
Music superstar Shakira has paid an emotional tribute to Lionel Messi ahead of Argentina's FIFA World Cup 2026 final against Spain, calling the football icon "beyond extraordinary" and praising his dedication, discipline and longevity.
Argentina booked their place in the final after a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over England in the semi-finals.
After trailing at half-time, the defending champions fought back through Enzo Fernández before Lautaro Martínez scored a stoppage-time winner to seal their place in the title clash.
Shakira's message for Messi
Taking to Instagram, Shakira shared a photograph of Messi and applauded the 39-year-old captain for continuing to perform at the highest level.
"What Leo Messi is doing is beyond extraordinary! It shows the values of a man who is deeply committed and disciplined, challenging time and all odds. Proving that a person is not defined by age or by what others say," she wrote.
The Colombian singer, whose World Cup anthems have become synonymous with football's biggest tournament, also praised Messi's wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, for being a constant source of support.
"And I know that having a woman like Antonela Roccuzzo by his side gives him the strength and inspiration to prove that!"
Shakira's Instagram story praising Leo Messi. Photo: Screenshot
Roccuzzo later reshared Shakira's Instagram story on her own account.
Messi chasing another World Cup glory
Messi heads into the World Cup final as one of the leading contenders for the tournament's Golden Boot, alongside France captain Kylian Mbappé.
The Argentina skipper has played a pivotal role in his team's run to the final, where the defending champions will face Spain in a bid to retain their world title.
Messi hits back at critics
Following Argentina's semi-final win over England, Messi dismissed suggestions that his team had benefited from favourable officiating or preferential treatment.
"We've been the best over these past four years, whether people like it or not," Messi said after the match.
"Once again, we've established ourselves among the top two teams in the world. That proves everything we've achieved is no fluke and that nothing was handed to us."
Argentina will now look to cap another memorable campaign by defeating Spain in the World Cup final and securing a second consecutive global crown.
Support Our Journalism
We cannot do without you.. your contribution supports unbiased journalism
IBNS is not driven by any ism- not wokeism, not racism, not skewed secularism, not hyper right-wing or left liberal ideals, nor by any hardline religious beliefs or hyper nationalism. We want to serve you good old objective news, as they are. We do not judge or preach. We let people decide for themselves. We only try to present factual and well-sourced news.
Support objective journalism for a small contribution.
