“Celebrating Like Messi Because He Scored Against Literal Children” – Ex Barcelona Star Riqui Puig Imitates Lionel Messi’s Iconic Celebration in LA Galaxy Win, Leaving Fans Baffled

The former Barcelona starlet made rounds recently after scoring a banger against LAFC in the US Open Cup. But more than the goal, his overzealous celebrations caught the eye of many soccer fans. He emulated the famous Lionel Messi celebration, which the Argentine did in the El Clasico.

However, Riqui Puig’s celebrations left the soccer fans baffled, as many thought it was unnecessary. But what made the fans react in such a way to the celebrations of the LA Galaxy? Let us delve into fan reactions, Puig’s goal, and the game’s state.

Fans bemused by Riqui Puig’s celebrations

Lamar Hunt US Open Cup round of 16 is underway. In one of the knockout stage games, city rivals LA Galaxy and LAFC took on each other. LAFC beat Monterey Bay FC in the round of 32, whereas LA Galaxy beat Seattle Sounders. In the round of 16 game, Galaxy took on LAFC at BMO Stadium.

After a goalless first half, the LA Galaxy dominated the second half and scored two goals inside three minutes. However, the second goal of Galaxy scored by Riqui Puig was sensational. The fans erupted for joy after a scintillating solo goal by the former Barcelona midfielder. The midfielder pulled off his shirt and did an iconic Lionel Messi celebration.

Meanwhile, many fans were left bemused. They felt it was just a game against the B team of LAFC, who rested the majority of first-team players for the game. One fan wrote, “Bro celebrating like Messi because he scored against literal children in LAFC’s C team.” One of the fans reminded everyone that the LA Galaxy is at the bottom of the MLS table, and Puig is overzealously celebrating the goal in the Cup game against LAFC’s B team. 

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It was the case with many fans. LA Galaxy has made it to the quarterfinal of the Cup and will soon know their opponents.

Iconic Lionel Messi celebration

Messi is still the highest scorer in the famous El Clasico. He celebrated the El Clasico goals in many ways, but the one that caught the eye of the fans was in 2017. In 2017, the rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid was at its peak. The same was the case with Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s rivalry. 

Barcelona visited Santiago Bernabeu on April 23, 2017. The game was well poised at 2-2. However, the Argentine wizard had another idea. He scored a brilliant curler in the injury time, giving Barcelona a win over their arch-rivals. Messi ran towards the sideline, took off his jersey, and held it towards the fans. The celebration went down as iconic, as it still inspires many soccer players to imitate it. 

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Let us know about some iconic celebrations in soccer that you like the most.