Jude Bellingham explains viral confrontation with Lionel Messi in World Cup semifinal

Seth Vertelney, USA TODAYThu, July 16, 2026 at 1:52 AM UTC

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ATLANTA — England star Jude Bellingham said a heated exchange with Lionel Messi early in Wednesday's World Cup semifinal was over an uncalled foul, but played down the significance of the moment that went viral.

Tackles and fouls were plentiful early in the match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, leading to several confrontations between players.

Amid a physical affair, two of the tournament's standout players clashed in an extended confrontation.

The exchange ended with Messi staring Bellingham down, then nodding dismissively.

The images were shared across social media, particularly Messi's look toward the end of the confrontation.

Anthony Gordon gave England a 1-0 lead in the 55th minute and England entered the final 10 minutes of the game clinging onto the lead.

But as it has done so many times at this tournament already, Argentina produced late drama to win the game.

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Enzo Fernandez’s long-range strike equalized in the 85th minute for the defending champions with an assist from Messi. In the 92nd, Messi floated a cross to the back post that was headed home by substitute Lautaro Martinez to give Argentina a 2-1 win.

After the match, Bellingham was asked about the confrontation with Messi.

"[We were] discussing a foul, actually," Bellingham said. "But it was nothing bad. I'm sure everyone will do their thing and make it a big deal. But no, it was nothing really.

"I thought there was a foul earlier and he said, 'Well what about the one on me?' and I was kind of saying, 'You're strong enough to take it,' you know what I mean?"

Even though he and his teammates were devastated with the outcome of the match, Bellingham acknowledged that it was still an honor to share the field with a player many consider to be the greatest of all time.

"It's privilege to play against [Messi]," Bellingham said. "There was nothing against him. I'm obviously on the losing side which hurts a lot, but it's a privilege to go against him."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jude Bellingham on Lionel Messi exchange at World Cup

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