The global superstar appeared to take a subtle jab at her ex-partner, Gerard Piqué, with a heartfelt public tribute to Lionel Messi following his historic performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

On Monday, June 22, the "Waka Waka" singer was in attendance at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, to watch Argentina face Austria in a crucial Group J match . The Colombian artist, accompanied by her two sons, witnessed a landmark moment in football history as Lionel Messi scored both goals in a 2-0 victory, securing the team's spot in the knockout stage .

The night was particularly significant for the Argentine captain, as his double took his total World Cup goal tally to 18, making him the all-time leading scorer in the history of the tournament .

Following the match, the 49-year-old singer took to her Instagram Stories to express her admiration for the football legend . Her message was direct and celebratory: "So proud of you, Leo, and of everything you're accomplishing for your family, your country, and the entire Latino community. Your commitment and dedication are an inspiration to so many. Keep shining!" .

While the message was ostensibly a simple congratulations to Messi, the context surrounding the post has sparked widespread speculation and debate among fans and media outlets.

Shakira and Gerard Piqué were in a relationship for 11 years before announcing their separation in June 2022 . The couple, who share two sons, Milan and Sasha, never officially married but were one of the most recognizable celebrity pairings in the world . Their split was reportedly preceded by allegations of infidelity on Piqué's part.

Adding further fuel to the fire, Messi and Piqué, who were childhood friends and long-time teammates at FC Barcelona, have experienced a fractured relationship in recent years . Messi's departure from Barcelona in 2021 was reportedly influenced by tensions with the club's board, with some reports suggesting he believed Piqué played a role in the decision not to renew his contract .

The combination of Shakira’s deeply personal message praising Messi's dedication to his family—coupled with the shared history of public fallout both stars have had with the former Barcelona defender—led many social media users to interpret the post as a veiled swipe at her ex-partner . Online commentators quickly linked the tribute to the ongoing narrative, viewing it as a message of support for Messi that subtly highlighted the traits she may feel are lacking in her former partner .

Shakira’s connection to the World Cup is a long and storied one. She has become synonymous with the tournament's musical identity, having performed the official songs for the 2010 World Cup ("Waka Waka") and the 2014 World Cup ("La La La") .

This year, she continues that tradition as the performer of "Dai Dai," the official song for the 2026 World Cup . Messi himself appears in the music video for "Dai Dai," further solidifying the professional and amicable bond between the two global icons .

During the match in Dallas, television cameras frequently cut to the singer and her sons in the stands . In one moment, her oldest son, Milan, was seen kissing her on the cheek, a gesture that briefly caused confusion among some viewers who initially mistook the affectionate moment for an interaction with a stranger .

Shakira's tribute to Messi stands as a testament to his incredible achievement and his impact as a global symbol for the Latino community. While the singer has not directly addressed the speculation regarding a hidden message, the timing and context of her praise have undeniably resonated with fans, adding a layer of dramatic interest to a historic sporting moment .