Bellingham provokes Messi, who responds with two assists for Argentina

Lionel Messi answered Jude Bellingham in the most stinging way possible: in the World Cup semi-final, just minutes after a verbal clash with the English midfielder, the Argentine delivered two assists to turn the match in favour of the Albiceleste.

The incident arose from a tense sequence of play late in the match. Bellingham approached the Argentine captain to address him with heated words. Messi responded with a contemptuous nod and a fixed stare, before turning on his heel without losing his composure. Minutes later, he provided decisive passes to Enzo Fernandez and Lisandro Martinez, sealing Argentina’s qualification for the final.

After the final whistle, Bellingham sought to defuse the controversy. “There was no problem with Messi,” he explained. “We were talking about a blocked shot, really, there was nothing bad about it at all. I’m sure everyone will make a big deal out of it, but for me, there was nothing.” The Real Madrid midfielder then paid tribute to his opponent: “For me, it was a privilege to face Leo. The World Cup he is having is exceptional, I wish him good luck for the final.”