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According to a report by Metro on Thursday July 16, 2026, Jude Bellingham has played down his heated exchange with Lionel Messi during England’s 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting the pair were simply discussing a foul.
The Real Madrid midfielder was involved in an animated conversation with the Argentina captain in the opening minutes of the match after a challenge led to a brief stoppage in play. Television cameras captured the two players exchanging words, prompting speculation over what had been said.
Speaking after the match, Bellingham explained that the incident had been blown out of proportion and revealed the conversation was related to a foul earlier in the game. “We were discussing a foul actually. But no, it was nothing, nothing bad,” Bellingham said. “I’m sure everyone will do their thing and make it a big deal. But no, it was nothing really.”
The England midfielder went on to explain that he believed there had been a foul, while Messi responded by referring to an earlier challenge against him. “I thought there was a foul earlier and he said, ‘What about the one on me?’ and I was saying, ‘Well you’re strong enough to take them,’ but no, it was a privilege to play against him.”
Bellingham stressed that there was no bad feeling between the two players and admitted it was a special experience to face the Argentina captain. “It was a privilege to line up against him,” he added.
Despite England’s defeat, Bellingham was one of his side’s standout performers throughout the tournament. However, the result left the 23-year-old deeply disappointed after the Three Lions surrendered a second-half lead.
Anthony Gordon had put England ahead after the break, but Argentina completed a dramatic comeback through Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez to book their place in the World Cup final.
Argentina will now face Spain in the World Cup final, while England will take on France in the third-place play-off as Thomas Tuchel’s side look to finish the tournament on a positive note.
