Anfield was rocking last night as **Alexander Isak finally opened his Liverpool account**, slotting home his first goal since joining the club in the summer. But while the Swede’s strike should have been a moment of pure joy, the celebration that followed has ignited heated debate among fans and pundits alike.
## Isak’s Big Moment
In the 43rd minute of Liverpool’s Carabao Cup clash, Federico Chiesa burst down the wing and delivered a perfect assist for Isak. The £60m signing calmly converted, sending the Kop into raptures as he spread his arms wide in a celebration eerily reminiscent of **Lionel Messi’s iconic stance**.
## Ekitike Joins In – and Sparks Debate
Teammate **Hugo Ekitike**, who later scored Liverpool’s winner in the 85th minute, ran straight over to Isak and copied the same Messi-style celebration. The pair posed together in front of the fans, arms stretched in dominance, as if announcing a new strike partnership to the world.
But while many supporters cheered the moment as a sign of unity, others weren’t impressed. Critics claimed the Messi tribute felt “over the top” and even “disrespectful” given Liverpool were only playing Championship opposition.
## Fan Reaction
* *“Love to see the Isak-Ekitike bromance. That celebration was iconic!”* wrote one Reds supporter on X.
* Another fired back: *“Acting like Messi against Southampton? Save it for the big games, lads.”*
* A neutral fan chimed in: *“If these two click, Liverpool’s attack will be terrifying. Celebrations or not, it’s good vibes.”*
## The Bigger Picture
For manager **Arne Slot**, the sight of his two new strikers combining in both goals is a huge boost as Liverpool prepare to face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. The celebration controversy may rumble on, but what really matters is that **Isak is off the mark, and Ekitike looks ready to explode**.
