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It has emerged what Lionel Messi thought of soon-to-be Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike during their time at the club together.

The pair played together during the 2022/23 campaign.

But he was not rated by manager Luis Enrique.

His 18-month spell at Paris Saint-Germain ended in frustration: four goals in 33 appearances, marginalised by superstars and overlooked by the Spanish coach, who froze him out of both matchday squads and Champions League registration.

But it’s safe to say that Ekitike was certainly rated by who many consider to be the greatest player of all time.

According to a 2022 article by French outlet L’Équipe, Lionel Messi developed a fondness for Hugo Ekitike during their time together at Paris Saint-Germain.

Messi even playfully nicknamed the young striker the “iron rod” in recognition of his slender, athletic build and unexpectedly quick burst of acceleration.

The report also highlighted that the Argentinean took on a mentoring role for the Frankfurt star, offering guidance and support as Ekitike adjusted to life at one of Europe’s top clubs.

If one of the best players of all time sees potential in mentoring Ekitike, then the Frenchman must have been doing something right to impress his iconic teammate.

Liverpool are close to announcing the capture of the French striker in a deal that could rise to £79 million.

He finished off his 2024/25 campaign 15 Bundesliga goals and 12 assists, combining blistering pace with polished technique, while earning a spot in the 2024–25 Bundesliga Team of the Season.

The French forward originally joined Frankfurt on loan from Paris Saint-Germain in January 2024 before making the switch permanent last summer, with the German side paying €17.5million to secure his services

Ekitike is set to sign a six-year deal at Anfield, running until 2031.

Paris Saint-Germain are due 20 percent of any future sale, having negotiated a sell-on clause when they sold him to Frankfurt in February 2024.

The 23-year-old is expected to join up with his new Liverpool teammates in Hong Kong later this week.

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