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One Extraordinary Photo: Messi and Kane hug after World Cup semifinal
A freelance photographer captured the moment after Messi left Argentina’s celebration and approached a disappointed England side, with both stars embracing.
- On Wednesday, July 15, 2026, Argentina's Lionel Messi and England's Harry Kane shared a post-match hug following their World Cup semifinal in Atlanta.
- Atlanta-Based freelance photographer Erik Lesser, with 40 years of professional experience, used a 100-300 lens paired with a 1.4 converter to capture the scene.
- The image captures genuine respect between the stars, showing Messi acting as a gentleman while Kane displays visible disappointment in his body language.
- Lesser followed Messi as he left the Argentina celebrations to approach England players, capturing both faces clearly against a clean background.
- Capturing the two global soccer stars together was a priority for The Associated Press, marking a significant moment in Lesser's first World Cup assignment.
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12 Articles
12 Articles
Los Angeles TimesReposted by 
Independent Español
Independent EspañolErik Lesser is a freelance Atlanta-based photographer with 40 years of professional experience in sports coverage, politics, breaking news and reporting.
·El Segundo, United States
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Associated Press News+9 Reposted by 9 other sources
One Extraordinary Photo: Messi and Kane hug after World Cup semifinal
Erik Lesser, an Atlanta-based freelance photographer, captured a significant World Cup moment after Argentina beat England in the semifinals.
·New York, United States
Read Full ArticleCoverage Details
Total News Sources12
Leaning Left2Leaning Right3Center6Last UpdatedBias Distribution55% Center
Bias Distribution
- 55% of the sources are Center
55% Center
L 18%
C 55%
R 27%
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