’Beyond extraordinary’: Shakira hails Messi’s genius and credits Antonela for his success after World Cup heroics

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Global music icon Shakira has joined the chorus of praise for Lionel Messi following Argentina’s dramatic 2-1 semi-final victory over England, describing the 39-year-old’s performances as “beyond extraordinary” and crediting his wife Antonela Roccuzzo for providing the “strength and inspiration” behind his enduring brilliance.

Taking to her Instagram Stories nearly 24 hours after Argentina’s comeback win, the Colombian superstar—who has become synonymous with the World Cup through her hit anthems for the tournament—shared a photo of an emotional Messi and penned a message that quickly went viral.

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‘A man challenging time and all odds’

“What Leo Messi is doing is beyond extraordinary!” Shakira wrote. “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”.

The 49-year-old singer, who performed the official World Cup anthem “Dai Dai” alongside Burna Boy, has been a visible presence at Argentina’s matches throughout the tournament, attending games from the stands with her two sons.

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A tribute to Antonela

But it was her words about Roccuzzo that captured fans’ attention. Shakira, who shares a close friendship with the Messi family from her years as partner of Gerard Piqué during their shared Barcelona days, made a point of recognising the role Messi’s wife has played in his sustained success.

“And I know that having a woman like Antonela Roccuzzo by his side gives him the strength and inspiration to prove that!” she added.

The touching tribute was a personal gesture from one high-profile partner of a football superstar to another—a recognition of the often-unseen support system behind the world’s greatest player.

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An emotional response

Roccuzzo, who has been Messi’s partner for approximately 19 years and is the mother of their three sons—Thiago, Mateo and Ciro—shared Shakira’s post on her own Instagram Stories, responding with two emojis: a white heart and an emotional face.

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A history of admiration

This is not the first time Shakira has publicly praised Messi. Following Argentina’s group-stage victory over Austria, she shared a photo of the captain with the caption: “So proud of you Leo and of everything you’re accomplishing for your family, your country, and the entire Latino community”.

Her admiration for the Argentine captain reflects a broader Latin American pride in Messi’s achievements, with Shakira noting that his story demonstrates how “age does not determine a person’s performance when there is preparation and commitment”.

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A fitting tribute ahead of the final

Shakira’s message comes as Argentina prepare for Sunday’s World Cup final against Spain—a clash that could see Messi win a second consecutive World Cup and further cement his legacy as the greatest of all time.

The singer herself is scheduled to perform at the final’s half-time show in New Jersey, where she will be part of an 11-minute production directed by Coldplay’s Chris Martin featuring Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber and BTS.

For now, her words stand as a powerful testament to a player who, at 39, continues to defy every expectation—with the woman by his side sharing every step of the journey.