Bellingham reveals what he said to Messi during viral World Cup semi-final confrontation

Jude Bellingham has downplayed his viral confrontation with Lionel Messi, revealing the two were arguing over a foul call during Argentina’s 2-1 World Cup semi-final victory over England in Atlanta. A clip of the exchange — which ended with Messi pulling a pointed expression and Bellingham laughing as he walked away — spread rapidly across social media after the final whistle.

“We was discussing a foul actually, it was nothing bad,” Bellingham said post-match. “I thought there was a foul earlier and he said ‘what about the one on me?’ and I said ‘you’re strong enough to take it’. I’m sure everyone will do their thing and make it a big deal but it was nothing big really.”

The Real Madrid midfielder, who speaks fluent Spanish, was largely subdued in the semi-final despite his heroics in the last-16 and quarter-final. Messi, by contrast, proved decisive — setting up both of Argentina’s late goals as the defending champions overturned Anthony Gordon’s 55th-minute opener to break English hearts.

Bellingham was gracious about facing the Argentina captain, calling it “a privilege to line up against one of the best,” while acknowledging the pain of the defeat. “I’m obviously on the losing side which hurts a lot,” he added.

The evening was not without further controversy for Bellingham. After the final whistle, he was caught on camera slapping Argentina substitute Valentin Barco around the back of the head, and it remains unclear whether he will face any disciplinary sanction from FIFA.

England manager Thomas Tuchel has faced sharp criticism for his second-half tactics — switching to a back-five and ceding midfield territory after Gordon’s goal — but the German coach was unapologetic. “I analysed the match and I did it a certain way, so that’s my responsibility. In the moment, no regrets,” Tuchel told the BBC. “The team gave everything and we were very, very close.”

England will now face France in the third-place bronze final on Saturday in Miami.