SGA Pays Tribute to Messi After Hitting Game-Winner vs Trail Blazers

• Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has paid tribute to Lionel Messi
• SGA's buzzer-beater saw Thunder beat Portland Trail Blazers in a pulsating 123-121 affair
• Messi led Argentina to World Cup glory on Sunday after a dramatic final against France

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander produced another clutch moment, as he knocked down a buzzer-beater to secure victory for Oklahoma City Thunder over Portland Trail Blazers.

The 24-year-old took to social media to react and paid tribute to Argentina superstar Lionel Messi, who guided his country to World Cup glory on Sunday.

The Canadian hit a baseline jumper at the buzzer as the Thunder edged the Blazers 123-121 on Monday, December 19, to ruin Damian Lillard's record-setting night, per Sportsnet.

SGA drove to his left and drained a 14-foot fadeaway jumper over Justise Winslow. The shot capped an excellent 35-point game for the guard who is averaging 31.3 points, the third-best in the NBA this season.

How Hawks' AJ Griffin hit game-winner with 0.5 seconds left to stun the Bulls

NBA

His performance saw fans call for him to be named to the All-Star team this season and it would be surprising if he doesn't make the team.

Gilgeous-Alexander's tribute to Messi

After the game, the former LA Clipper guard took to Instagram to celebrate his stunning game-winner.

He posted several photos of himself during the game along with the video of his buzzer-beating game-winner vs the Blazers. The post was followed by a crafty caption that read:

"I clean up nice but it can still get Messi."

SGA and the OKC Thunder have a chance to secure two wins in a row over Lillard's Blazers, when they meet on Thursday night for a back-back-back clash.

Messi led Argentina to their first World Cup triumph since 1986, cementing his status as one of the best players of all time, per AP.

Mbappe appears to declare Ronaldo the GOAT on Instagram

Football

World Cup draws NBA reactions

Sports Brief earlier reported on NBA players reacting to Messi and Argentina winning the World Cup, after beating France on penalties.

LeBron James and James Harden were some of the players to praise the Argentina captain, who was named player of the tournament.

Argentina dominated the first half, but a Kylian Mbappe masterclass saw the match go to extra time. Many fans touted the match as arguably one of the best finals of all time.