Los Angeles [US], July 17 (ANI): Pop queen Shakira turned cheerleader, passionately celebrating Lionel Messi and Argentina's thrilling comeback victory over England in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal in Atlanta.

The singer, through a social media post, praised Messi's extraordinary performance and wrote, 'What @leomessi is doing is beyond extraordinary! It shows the values of a man who is deeply committed and disciplined, challenging times and all odds. Proving that a person is not defined by age or by what others say.'

Shakira also credited Messi's wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, for being a source of strength and inspiration behind the Argentine legend's continued success.

'And I know that having a woman like @antonelaroccuzzo by his side gives him the strength and inspiration to prove that!' she added.

Earlier, Messi also celebrated Argentina's qualification for the World Cup final, praising the team's resilience and performance while thanking supporters for their continued belief in the squad.

He said, 'WE'RE IN THE FINAL!!!!! We dug deep once again to put in another great performance. A huge thank you to everyone who believed in this group!!! Let's go Argentina!!!!'

https://www.instagram.com/p/Da1TQCTDX4T/

The result sent Argentina into the World Cup 2026 final, where they will face Spain on Sunday, July 19 (local time), while England's hopes of reaching their first World Cup final since 1966 came to a heartbreaking end.

Meanwhile, Shakira, alongside the likes of Justin Bieber, Madonna, and BTS, is set to perform at the World Cup final.

Bieber has been announced as the final co-headliner, joining the previously confirmed trio of Madonna, Shakira and BTS for what FIFA is positioning as a landmark event that blends football and music on the sport's biggest stage.

The halftime show will also feature performances and appearances by Burna Boy, renowned conductor Gustavo Dudamel, and the PS22 Chorus featuring Coldplay.

American singer and rapper Post Malone is also set to headline the closing ceremony of the FIFA World Cup 2026. (ANI)