Shakira is keeping a close eye on the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As the voice behind the tournament’s official anthem, “Dai Dai,” alongside Burna Boy, the Colombian superstar has been intensely following the action.
With her upcoming halftime performance at the World Cup final, Shakira took a moment to publicly applaud Argentina’s captain, Lionel Messi. She also dedicated a touching message to his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, who has stood by the soccer legend through six World Cup campaigns.
Taking to Instagram Stories, the “Hips Don’t Lie” singer shared her admiration for the Argentine captain. She praised his core values and unyielding discipline, noting that clear goals easily drown out critics.
Messi turned 39 on June 24, an age historically viewed as a retirement sentence in elite soccer. Instead, he continues to deliver masterclasses on the pitch, defying expectations alongside peers like Cristiano Ronaldo.
“What @leomessi is doing is beyond extraordinary! It reflects the values of a deeply committed and disciplined man who defies time and any adverse odds,” Shakira wrote to her millions of followers.
“He proves that a person is not defined by age or what others say,” the singer added. She then turned her attention to Messi’s steadfast partner, Antonela Roccuzzo, who has shared his journey for over two decades.
Together, Messi and Roccuzzo have built a family with their three sons: Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro. “And I know that having a woman like @antonelaroccuzzo by his side gives him the strength and inspiration to prove it!” Shakira concluded.
A Friendship Forged in Barcelona
The bond between Shakira and Roccuzzo dates back to their years living in Spain. From 2008 to 2021, both Gerard Piqué and Messi played for FC Barcelona, naturally placing the two women in the same inner circle.
Tabloids frequently fueled rumors of a feud between the artist and Roccuzzo during that era. However, Shakira explicitly dismantled those false reports during a 2017 interview on Argentine television.
“I don’t know where they get that from. I don’t understand it at all, because we’ve been seen together many times,” Shakira stated, dismissing the gossip as complete nonsense.
Their camaraderie was evident during FC Barcelona’s league title celebrations in April 2019. SofÃa Balbi, wife of Luis Suárez, shared a photo showing Shakira partying alongside Roccuzzo and Elena Galera to mark the victory.
Life eventually pulled both families away from Barcelona and directly to the United States. Following her highly publicized split from Piqué, Shakira moved to Miami with her children. Months later, Messi signed with Inter Miami, bringing his family to the exact same Florida city.
Their paths crossed again in June 2025. Roccuzzo attended Shakira’s “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran” world tour stop in Miami. The two shared a backstage moment, with Roccuzzo later praising the unforgettable performance online.
The Miami reunion was a full-circle moment for the former Barcelona residents. SofÃa Balbi also attended the same concert with her husband Luis Suárez and their daughter, Delfina, proving the old friend group remains as supportive as ever.
