An overexcited football reporter left viewers in stitches after ditching a live broadcast to grab a selfie with global superstar Shakira.
Reporter Abandons Live Report
Argentine journalist Marcelo Benedetto was meant to be reporting from inside Mexico City's Estadio Mexico City ahead of the opening match of the World Cup between Mexico and South Africa. But his professional duties quickly took a back seat when he spotted Colombian singer Shakira making her way around the stadium.
The chart-topping star had arrived at the venue to perform the tournament's latest anthem, Dai Dai (Let's Go), alongside Nigerian rapper Burna Boy as part of the opening celebrations. As cameras rolled, Benedetto was seen delivering a report from pitchside before suddenly cutting his segment short.
Viral Moment
In footage that has since gone viral online, the sports broadcaster appears to notice the superstar nearby before placing down his microphone and walking away from the live position. His cameraman then followed the action, zooming in on the Hips Don't Lie hitmaker as she made her way through the lower tier of the stadium.
Moments later, Benedetto seized his opportunity and approached the singer to ask for a photograph. Rather than brushing him off, Shakira happily stopped and posed for the snap.
The singer flashed a peace sign and pursed her lips for the camera while the delighted reporter grinned from ear to ear beside her. The clip quickly spread across social media, with fans praising Benedetto for putting his priorities in order.
Social Media Reactions
One caption shared alongside the footage read: "The great Marcelo Benedetto leaving the live broadcast to go ask Shakira for a photo. Priorities, always."
Thousands of users rushed to comment on the hilarious moment. "Haha, he knows that kind of opportunity only comes once in a lifetime," one person wrote. Another added: "I don't judge him because we all would have done the same."
Many football fans admitted they would have reacted exactly like the reporter if they suddenly found themselves face-to-face with one of the world's biggest music stars.
History of Celebrity Encounters
The moment may have surprised viewers, but it appears Benedetto has previous experience when it comes to celebrity encounters at major sporting events. Social media users were quick to point out that the journalist has a history of snapping photos with famous faces. One commenter even dug out a picture of Benedetto posing with pop sensation Dua Lipa at the 2018 UEFA Champions League final in Kyiv.
Have you joined Threads? Follow Daily Star to keep up to date on all things showbiz here. Want all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter.
