Hugo Ekitike praises Lionel Messi after Argentina's World Cup final berth

Hugo Ekitike hailed Lionel Messi as 'the best' after the Argentina captain inspired his team to a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over England in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final on July 15. Messi set up both goals in the last 12 minutes to send Argentina through to the final against Spain.

What happened in the semi-final?

England took the lead through Anthony Gordon in the 55th minute at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium. But Messi changed the game, assisting Enzo Fernandez's 85th-minute equalizer before crossing for Lautaro Martinez's winner just seven minutes later. The two assists took Messi to 12 goal contributions in the tournament, putting him top of the Golden Boot race.

Why does this matter for Hugo Ekitike?

Ekitike and Messi were teammates at Paris Saint-Germain during the 2022-23 season, winning the Ligue 1 title together. Ekitike responded to Messi's heroics with a simple three-word message on Snapchat: 'He's the best.' The France forward, who didn't make Didier Deschamps' final 26-man World Cup squad, clearly still holds his former teammate in high regard.

What's next for Messi and Argentina?

Argentina will face Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on Sunday, July 19, in New Jersey. Messi, now 39, is aiming to become the first player to win back-to-back World Cup titles since Brazil's Pelé in 1958 and 1962. Ekitike, meanwhile, will be watching from home after missing out on France's squad for the tournament.