Shakira makes bold Lionel Messi claim after Argentina crush England, earns approval from Antonela Roccuzzo

Just like Lionel Messi, Shakira is also a name synonymous with the World Cup, due to her official anthems.

Published on: Jul 17, 2026, 07:24:25 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Shakira hailed Lionel Messi on social media after Argentina defeated England 2-1 in their 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final clash. The Argentine skipper was in good form, registering two assists. Messi now leads the Golden Boot race with eight goals and four assists, making it 12 goal involvements in the tournament.

Shakira hailed Lionel Messi's impact. (X)

Just like Messi, Shakira is also a name synonymous with the World Cup, due to her official anthems. She also made an official anthem for the 2026 World Cup.

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‘What Leo Messi is doing is beyond extraordinary!’

Taking to Instagram, Shakira wrote, "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."

Roccuzzo and Messi have been in a relationship since 2009. The couple also got married on June 30, 2017, and they have three sons.

Shakira further added, "And I know that having a woman like Antonela Roccuzzo by his side gives him the strength and inspiration to prove that!"

In response, Roccuzzo also reshared Shakira's Instagram Story.

Messi has been pivotal for the defending champions in their run to their second consecutive World Cup final. He was key in Argentina's 2-1 win over England. After Anthony Gordon's goal made it 1-0 for England in the second half, it was Messi who came to Argentina's rescue. He assisted Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez for Argentina's goals.

Speaking after the match, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni said, "I'm speechless. A joy for our country, our people. The other day I said that this group never ceases to amaze me," he said.

"My voice is breaking because this is a demonstration of so many things: team spirit, brotherhood, never giving up, fighting until the very end. After this, we're going to win the final, but what more does this team have to do? They have moved me deeply. I don't have much more to say; it's all thanks to them.

"We're going to try to win, give it our all, but after this, it's very difficult to make people understand what the players are demonstrating. We are unique, and that's not arrogance. These people led us to victory," he added.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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