When Shakira drops a FIFA anthem, everyone tunes in. Her past hits are all majorly iconic and have had a lasting impact on pop culture, but the latest instalment in her FIFA anthem run has something no one else has managed to pull off before: she got Argentinian football legend Lionel Messi to speak English on camera.
In the epic music video for “Dai Dai,” Messi looks straight into the lens as he says, “We are ready.” For longtime football fans, this one line was so impactful that everyone couldn’t stop replaying and sharing it online. The Argentinian captain has famously avoided speaking English publicly for years, which is why the surprise cameo instantly went viral.
‘Dai Dai’ Brings Football and Music Giants Together
The new FIFA World Cup anthem pairs Shakira with Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy in a cinematic four-minute spectacle directed by Hannah Lux Davis.
The video opens with children and football icons repeating the phrase “We are ready” in multiple languages before Messi launches a football into the sky. From there, the energy never slows down.
The star-packed lineup includes:
- Kylian Mbappé
- Vinícius Júnior
- Erling Haaland
- Harry Kane
- Alphonso Davies
- Luis Díaz
- Rodri
- Jamal Musiala
Meanwhile, the track blends Latin pop with Afrobeats and multilingual lyrics. The phrase “Dai Dai” itself comes from an Italian cheer meaning “come on” or “let’s go.” The video was filmed at Rio de Janeiro’s legendary Maracanã Stadium, while some scenes were filmed in Miami.
It is also heartwarming to know that royalties generated from streaming will be funnelled into the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund to support children’s education across the globe.
Why Shakira Still Owns the World Cup Stage
This marks the fourth FIFA era anthem linked to Shakira. She previously dominated tournaments with “Hips Don’t Lie” in 2006, “Waka Waka” in 2010, and “La La La” in 2014.
Even now, “Waka Waka” remains one of the most-streamed World Cup songs ever. That legacy is exactly why fans continue calling Shakira the unofficial queen of football anthems.
Music experts also believe FIFA intentionally paired Shakira and Burna Boy to create a truly global sound. The anthem mixes African rhythms, stadium chants, and Latin hooks into one massive pop package.
FIFA’s Biggest Halftime Show Yet
The excitement around “Dai Dai” is only beginning. FIFA has already confirmed that Shakira will perform the anthem live during the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final halftime show on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium.
She will reportedly share the stage with Madonna and BTS, making it one of FIFA’s most ambitious entertainment lineups ever.
With Messi speaking English, Burna Boy delivering high-energy vocals, and Shakira once again leading the soundtrack of football culture, “Dai Dai” already feels destined to dominate the 2026 World Cup season and to be remembered for years to come.
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