During the opening match of the 2022 World Cup in Mexico City ,Argentine sports journalist Marcelo Benedetto abruptly stopped his live commentary to request a photo with pop star Shakira, who was performing the tournament’s anthem "Dai Dai." The unexpected encounter was captured on video and quickly spread across social media, highlighting the clash between professional duty and personal fandom.

Marcelo Benedetto abandons live report minutes before Mexico‑South Africa kickoff

According to the viral clip, Benedetto was in the middle of a live broadcast from Estadio Mexico City when he spotted Shakira walking near the field. He placed his microphone down, signaled his cameraman, and headed straight for the singer just hours before the inaugural game between Mexico and South Africa. The reporter’s spontaneous decision to prioritize a selfie over his reporting duties sparked a flurry of commentary online.

Shakira’s World Cup anthem “Dai Dai” performance draws celebrity attention

The Colombian superstar was on site to perform her new World Cup anthem "Dai Dai" alongside Nigerian rapper Burna Boy, a collaboration that has already become a staple of the tournament’s soundtrack. as Shakira moved through the lower seating bowl, her presence attracted not only fans but also media personnel, including Benedetto, who saw the moment as a once‑in‑a‑lifetime photo opportunity.

Previous celebrity snaps:Benedetto with Dua Lipa at 2018 Champions League final

One commenter pointed out that this is not Benedetto’s first high‑profile celebrity encounter. a user shared a photo of the journalist posing with singer Dua Lipa at the 2018 UEFA Champions League Final in Kyiv, suggesting a pattern of seizing star‑studded moments at major sporting events. This history adds a layer of intrigue to his latest stunt , prompting questions about whether such behavior is part of his personal brand.

Social media reaction: fans praise the “once‑in‑a‑lifetime” photo

Twitter users quickly labeled the video “priorities, always,” while others joked that anyone would have taken the chance. one tweet read, "Haha, he knows that kind of opportunity only comes once in a lifetime," and another added, "I don’t judge him because we all would have done the same." The light‑hearted response underscores Shakira’s enduring global appeal and the public’s willingness to forgive a breach of journalistic protocol when it involves a beloved icon.

Did the network sanction Benedetto’s unscripted detour?

The report does not reveal whether Benedetto’s employer approved the unscripted photo request, leaving a gap in understanding the professional repercussions. It also remains unclear if the incident will affect future live‑broadcast guidelines for sports journalists covering high‑profile events.