French-Cameroonian Hugo Ekitike reveals Messi’s influence on Liverpool goal machine ambitions

Hugo Ekitike is determined to cement his place among the world’s elite strikers, crediting his time alongside Lionel Messi at Paris Saint-Germain for shaping his development.

The Liverpool forward has wasted little time making an impact at Anfield, scoring 16 goals across all competitions in his debut season, including 11 in the Premier League following his £79m move from Eintracht Frankfurt in July.

The France international spent two seasons at PSG, where he shared the dressing room with Messi, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history.

Ekitike says observing Messi up close taught him invaluable lessons, from off-the-ball movement to finishing with composure and confidence.

“It was difficult for me to go on the pitch and do what Leo was doing on the same level… So it was about learning, training on the pitch, I saw a lot of great things… I learned how to move without the ball, how to touch the ball, how to score goals and gain confidence in games,” he told TNT Sport.

Reflecting on his time in Paris, Ekitike admits it was not always smooth, but he values the experience.

“Obviously when I look back [at PSG], it was not a great time for me but it was what I needed at that time. I learned so much, honestly I am so grateful to have been there with such great players… I played with the best player in the world, in the history of football. So it is nice, it is great.”

At Liverpool, Ekitike is thriving alongside summer signing Florian Wirtz, highlighting the creative link-up with the £116m playmaker as key to his progress.

“I like the other players as well but obviously as a striker you have a No.10 that understands football… It makes things easy… I know that it’s the kind of player who can give you so many assists during a season,” he said.

With his confidence growing, Ekitike says he is unfazed by pressure, relishing the chance to compete at a big club and in high-profile tournaments.

“I think I can… there’s room for improvement, I have to work more and progress… I always wanted to be there, playing those kinds of games. It’s really exciting, and I am really looking forward to winning this competition, hopefully.”

At 23, Ekitike’s blend of lessons from Messi and his partnership with Wirtz could soon see him fulfill his ambition of becoming one of football’s most feared forwards.