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According to a report by Metro on Thursday July 16, 2026, England midfielder Jude Bellingham has revealed what was said during his heated exchange with Argentina captain Lionel Messi during their 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final clash.
The incident occurred in the first half of Argentina’s 2-1 victory over England after a refereeing decision sparked a brief confrontation between the two players. The exchange quickly attracted attention, but Bellingham insisted it was nothing more than a disagreement over a foul.
Speaking after the match, the Real Madrid star dismissed suggestions of any bad blood between himself and the Argentina legend. “The chat with Messi? Actually, we were arguing about a foul. It wasn’t anything serious. I’m sure everyone will make a big deal out of it, but it was nothing,” Bellingham said.
He explained that he believed England should have been awarded a foul earlier in the move, while Messi responded by referring to a separate incident involving himself. “I thought there was a foul earlier, and he said, ‘What about the one I was fouled on?’ And I said, ‘You’re tough enough to take it,’ you know what I mean,” he added.
Despite the on-field exchange, Bellingham was full of praise for Messi after the final whistle, describing it as a privilege to share the pitch with one of football’s greatest players. “Obviously, I’m on the losing side, which hurts a lot, but it’s a privilege to play against one of the best,” he said.
England’s defeat ended their hopes of winning the World Cup, while Argentina advanced to the final, where they will face Spain in the battle for the trophy.
The Three Lions will now turn their attention to the third-place playoff against France as they look to finish the tournament on a positive note.
