In a jaw-dropping moment, Argentine journalist Marcelo Benedetto ditched his live broadcast to chase a selfie with Shakira, the global music icon.
Initially stationed at Estadio Mexico City for the World Cup opener between Mexico and South Africa, Benedetto's professional obligations crumbled when he spotted the Colombian superstar in the stadium.
Shakira was present to perform the tournament's anthem, "Dai Dai (Let’s Go)," alongside Nigerian rapper Burna Boy. As cameras rolled, Benedetto was delivering his report from pitchside when he abruptly cut his segment short.
Footage that has since gone viral shows Benedetto noticing Shakira nearby. He placed his microphone down and walked away from his live position, with his cameraman trailing behind, capturing the moment as Shakira moved through the lower tier of the stadium.
Seizing the moment, Benedetto approached Shakira and asked for a photograph. The singer, far from dismissive, stopped and posed for the snap.
Shakira flashed a peace sign and pursed her lips for the camera while Benedetto beamed beside her. The clip exploded on social media, with fans applauding Benedetto for prioritizing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
One caption accompanying the footage declared: "The great Marcelo Benedetto leaving the live broadcast to go ask Shakira for a photo. Priorities, always."
Thousands chimed in on the hilarious incident. One user remarked, "Haha, he knows that kind of opportunity only comes once in a lifetime." Another added, "I don’t judge him because we all would have done the same."
Football fans universally agreed they would react similarly if faced with one of the world's biggest music stars. While viewers were taken aback by Benedetto's decision, he has a history of celebrity encounters at major sporting events.
Social media users quickly highlighted Benedetto's past, recalling a picture of him with pop sensation Dua Lipa at the 2018 UEFA Champions League final in Kyiv.
“Marcelo with Shakira”
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