Shakira Says Messi's Actions are More than Extraordinary Ahead of the World Cup Final

Shakira. (Instagram/@shakira).

JAKARTA - At 39 years old, Lionel Messi did not prevent Argentina from reaching the 2026 World Cup final. His performance was praised by Shakira, who called the player's action "more than extraordinary".

USA Today reported on Saturday, July 18, citing People, that the praise was delivered by Shakira via Instagram Stories on July 16. The post has now been deleted.

"What @lionelmessi did is truly beyond extraordinary," Shakira wrote.

According to the Colombian singer, Messi showed commitment and discipline by challenging time and all obstacles.

"He proves that one is not defined by age or by the words of others," Shakira wrote.

Messi and Argentina will face Spain in the final on Sunday, July 19. He is hunting for a second consecutive World Cup title after helping his team beat England 2-1 in the semi-finals.

Messi was also named the top scorer in the history of the World Cup. According to ESPN, he has appeared in six editions of the tournament since 2006, including the 2026 World Cup.

Shakira also alluded to Messi's wife, Antonela Roccuzzo. According to Shakira, Antonela's presence at Messi's side gave her strength and inspiration.

"I know having a woman like Antonela Roccuzzo by his side gives him the strength and inspiration to prove it," Shakira wrote.

Antonela then re-shared the upload on her Instagram account with a tear-eyed emoji and a white heart.

Shakira was not just a spectator at the final. Together with Madonna and Justin Bieber, she was appointed as the main performer in the first World Cup halftime show at MetLife Stadium.

Argentina's match against Spain is scheduled to start at 3 p.m. Eastern time.

In an interview with People in the June issue, Shakira said her relationship with football was difficult to separate.

"Every World Cup is really magical. I think this tournament will talk a lot about bringing people together in a very socially and politically sensitive time," he said.

Shakira first appeared on the World Cup stage in 2006. She then performed "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" at the 2010 World Cup closing ceremony.

Her performance on July 19 will be Shakira's fourth appearance at the World Cup. She is scheduled to perform the new single "Dai Dai", the official song of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.