Shakira Celebrates Lionel Messi’s World Cup Milestone with Heartfelt Tribute
The Colombian superstar shared a touching message on Instagram following Lionel Messi's record-breaking performance in the World Cup, highlighting his impact on Latinos worldwide.


Lionel Messi’s historic achievement in the FIFA World Cup on Sunday not only etched his name further into football legend but also elicited a powerful reaction from Colombian superstar Shakira. Her public acknowledgment captured the profound significance of Messi’s milestone for fans across the globe, particularly within the Latin American community.
Messi’s Record-Breaking Performance
The Argentine captain reached a new pinnacle in his illustrious career by scoring twice against Austria, surpassing Miroslav Klose to become the all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history with 18 goals. This remarkable feat followed a hat-trick against Algeria in Argentina’s opening match, which had already seen him draw level with Klose at 16 goals.
Shakira’s Instagram Tribute
Shortly after Argentina’s victory, Shakira took to her Instagram story to express her pride and admiration for Messi. Her message read: “Very proud of you, Leo, and of everything you’re achieving for your family, your country, and all Latinos!!! Your commitment and dedication are an example to many. Keep shining! ✨❤️”
A Long-Standing Connection
This heartfelt message from Shakira underscored a long-standing connection and admiration for Messi, stemming from her past relationship with former Barcelona defender Gerard Pique. During their time together, Shakira was a frequent observer of Messi’s pivotal role in Barcelona’s most successful era. Despite her separation from Pique in 2022, her support for Messi’s career remains evident.
Rivalry and Legacy
Messi’s new record places him ahead of notable figures like Klose and Kylian Mbappe, who is also climbing the all-time standings. Mbappe currently sits level with Klose on 16 goals, creating an intriguing dynamic as both stars remain active in the tournament. However, for now, Messi holds the advantage, adding another significant landmark to his already decorated career. Shakira’s message highlighted that this achievement resonates beyond mere statistics, representing a continuing legacy for fans, especially across Latin America.
Key facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Player | Lionel Messi |
| Achievement | All-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history |
| New Goal Tally | 18 goals |
| Notable Supporter | Shakira |
| Shakira’s Message Focus | Pride, family, country, Latinos, commitment, dedication, shining example. |
Messi’s latest World Cup accomplishment serves as another powerful reminder of his enduring impact on the sport. Shakira’s public endorsement further emphasizes the widespread adoration and inspiration he provides, extending far beyond the pitch and resonating deeply within the global Latino community.
Source: Yahoo Sports – https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/shakira-could-only-one-thing-052638723.html
Source
Yahoo Sports Original publication: 2026-06-23T05:26:38+00:00
Evan Mitchell
Evan covers national sports news, league calendars, teams and major event stories.