Video: Bellingham clarifies pitch exchange with Messi
Abdullateef Fowewe
England midfielder, Jude Bellingham, has moved to quash any suggestion of a fallout with Lionel Messi after an on-pitch confrontation during Argentina’s dramatic 2-1 victory over England in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final.
The England midfielder described the episode as a minor incident and said the media would likely overplay it.
“There were zero problems with Messi. We were talking about a frictional shot, actually there was nothing bad at all.
“I’m sure everyone will do their job and blow it out of proportion, but for me there was nothing. For me it was a previlage to face Leo,” Bellingham said.
Match footage showed Messi gesturing animatedly toward Bellingham following a contested moment, before celebrating as Argentina completed their comeback.
England’s players were left visibly dejected as the reigning champions sealed their place in the final.
Argentina will face Spain in the final on July 19, 2026, after staging the comeback that eliminated England.
England are set to contest the third-place match against France on July 18.
