There’s a buzz going around sensational Riqui Puig’s goal against LAFC in the US Open Cup. Fans still talk his Lionel Messi-like celebrations about. However, the aftermath of this brilliant goal and celebration took a sour turn. LAFC’s star defender made a disrespectful remark towards the LA Galaxy star.
Meanwhile, Puig didn’t let his spirit go down and responded to the disrespectful remarks of a rival defender over social media. The article intends to shed light on the whole saga that has caught the eye of soccer fans.
Riqui Puig, Lionel Messi-like celebrations, and Giorgio Chiellini
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Fans are well aware of the rivalry between MLS clubs LA Galaxy and LAFC. Whenever the two clubs meet in the Los Angeles Derby, fans are bound to be entertained. A recent El Trafico wasn’t an exception. LA Galaxy visited BMO Stadium to take on LAFC in the round of 16 of the US Open Cup on Tuesday. LAFC, who will play in the CONCACAF Champions League final first leg in a week, rotated the starting XI heavily.
Our midfield magician 🪄@RiquiPuig doubles the lead over LAFC! pic.twitter.com/sTkjLyWmlw
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) May 24, 2023
It was like the LA Galaxy was taking on a reserve team of LAFC. After a goalless first-half draw, Galaxy scored two quick goals in the second half that saw them advance to the quarterfinals. The second goal scored by Riqui Puig created a buzz. He followed the solo goal with iconic Lionel Messi celebrations. Messi did celebrations in the El Clasico after scoring the winner in April 2017.
CHIELLINI, ¿QUITÁNDOLE “PAYASO🤡” A RIQUI PUIG @RiquiPuig?
En la entrevista que brindaba el español, luego de la victoria de #LAGalaxy (0-2) sobre #LAFC. #GiorgioChiellini salió y gritó: “payaso”.
¿A @LAFC no le cayó en gracia la celebración de #Puig al estilo #Messi? pic.twitter.com/Lht1W8JLm3
— Pase Filtrado (@pasefiltrado) May 24, 2023
However, it didn’t go down well with LAFC superstar Giorgio Chiellini. He made disrespectful remarks towards Puig when he was talking to the media after the game. The former Juventus defender shouted Payaso, the Spanish word for the clown. The incident will fuel the rivalry, with the two clubs set to play each other in July. Meanwhile, Puig did fire back.
LA Galaxy star responds
Puig wasn’t going to stay quiet. And he got his opportunity to respond. One of the Twitter handles posted the reason why Chiellini hates Puig. The tweet included a goal scored by Puig for Barcelona in a friendly against Juventus. Puig responded to the tweet with a yawning face emoji. It will be interesting to see how the next chapter unfolds in the next El Trafico.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
— Riqui Puig (@RiquiPuig) May 24, 2023
LA Galaxy needs to get better results as they found themselves bottom of the Western Conference MLS table. On the contrary, their city rivals seat the top of the table. Nine points separate the clubs in the table. LAFC will now focus on their CONCACAF Champions League final first leg against Leon. The Galaxy will welcome Charlotte FC next in the MLS fixture.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
WATCH THIS STORY: American Athletes With Ownership in Soccer Teams
Let us know your thoughts on the whole saga involving Puig and Chiellini.