The global superstar and her children were in the stands at AT&T Stadium to see Lionel Messi shatter a legendary World Cup record. The pop icon, known for her deep ties to the tournament, traded the stage for the stands to catch the action.

Shakira attended the high-stakes Group J match between Argentina and Austria on June 22, bringing her sons, Milan and Sasha Piqué Mebarak, for a memorable family outing. The trio was spotted in a premium viewing area at the Arlington, Texas, venue as a capacity crowd roared around them.

Dressed casually and fully engaged in the match, the singer was seen closely following the on-field action. At one point, the venue’s giant screens captured Shakira with her children, prompting a massive ovation from the spectators as she waved and acknowledged the crowd .

The night carried immense significance on the pitch. Argentina, a tournament favorite in the expanded 48-team World Cup, was led by football legend Lionel Messi. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner delivered a masterclass by scoring twice in a 2-0 victory, securing Argentina's spot in the next round. These goals marked the 17th and 18th of his World Cup career, officially surpassing the long-standing record of 16 goals held by Germany's Miroslav Klose .

For Shakira, her presence at the match was a full-circle moment. She has become synonymous with football's biggest event, having delivered iconic anthems like "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" and "La La La." Just weeks prior, she performed the official 2026 tournament song, "Dai Dai," alongside Burna Boy during the opening festivities in Mexico City .

Following the historic win, Shakira took to social media to share a heartfelt tribute to the Argentine captain. “Very proud of you, Leo, and of everything you’re achieving for your family, your country, and all Latinos!!!” she wrote, adding, “Your commitment and dedication are an example to many. Keep shining!” .

Messi's family was also on hand to celebrate the triumph. His longtime partner, Antonela Roccuzzo, shared an emotional post on social media, featuring photos of herself with their three sons—Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro—all wearing matching Argentina jerseys. She captioned the post, "What a privilege to see you make history again and again. I love you" .

The evening in Arlington showcased a convergence of global stardom and sporting greatness. As Messi continues to rewrite the record books, Shakira remains one of his most prominent supporters, adding a layer of star power to an unforgettable World Cup moment.