An Argentine journalist made headlines recently after unexpectedly leaving his live broadcast to snap a selfie with acclaimed singer Shakira. Marcelo Benedetto was reporting from Estadio Mexico City just hours before the opening match of the 2026 World Cup between Mexico and South Africa on June 11 when he spotted the Colombian star in the vicinity.
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Benedetto, known for his engaging on-air presence, was mid-broadcast when he noticed Shakira walking by with her entourage. Demonstrating a unique blend of professionalism and enthusiasm for celebrity encounters, he swiftly dropped his microphone and made his way around the pitch to introduce himself to the pop icon.
In footage from the incident, Benedetto is seen approaching Shakira, who looked relaxed in a casual outfit consisting of a black sleeveless top paired with blue leggings and trainers. To the delight of fans, the singer readily agreed to take a selfie with him. In the snapshot, Shakira is seen flashing a peace sign while tilting her head, bringing big smiles to both their faces.
The humorous moment did not go unnoticed on social media, with one user translating a post that read, “The great Marcelo Benedetto leaving the live broadcast to go ask Shakira for a photo. Priorities, always.” This light-hearted incident resonated with many, highlighting the joys of blending work with personal passion.
Shakira was in attendance at the stadium to perform her latest anthem for the World Cup titled “Dai Dai [Let’s Go],” which she unveiled during the tournament’s grand opening ceremony. Her performance, featuring collaboration with Nigerian rapper Burna Boy, set a vibrant tone for the matches that followed.
For Benedetto, this was not his first encounter with a global superstar. The journalist previously took time out of his reporting duties to pose for a picture with British singer Dua Lipa during the 2018 UEFA Champions League Final in Kyiv. Clearly, the opportunity to meet such high-profile celebrities is a recurring theme in his career.
On the day of Shakira’s performance, two opening matches took place, with Mexico triumphing over South Africa 2-0, and Korea narrowly defeating Czechia 2-1. Looking ahead, fans eagerly anticipated the matches set for Friday, June 12, where Canada would compete against Bosnia-Herzegovina and the United States would face Paraguay.
As the tournament unfolds, sports enthusiasts not only have exciting matches to look forward to but also the potential for further charming interactions between athletes, entertainers, and reporters alike. Benedetto’s light-hearted moment with Shakira serves as a reminder that amidst the competitive environment of international sports, there’s always room for a bit of fun.
With the World Cup attracting global attention, it is events like these that often steal the limelight, showcasing the intersection of sport and entertainment. The excitement surrounding the 2026 tournament has only just begun, leaving fans buzzing about what surprises might be in store as top performers and athletes come together on this grand stage.