Jude Bellingham has downplayed his heated confrontation with Lionel Messi during England's World Cup semi-final loss to Argentina, insisting he was simply 'discussing a foul' with the iconic forward. Messi once again played an instrumental role to help steer Argentina into this year's final, assisting both Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez as the holders snatched victory from the jaws of defeat late on in Atlanta.
England's early lead and defensive shift
England had looked on course for the win after taking the lead through Anthony Gordon, who directed Morgan Rogers' cross home to break the deadlock ten minutes after the restart. But the Three Lions were punished after adopting an ultra-defensive approach in an attempt to preserve their slender advantage, with Thomas Tuchel's men dropping deeper and deeper as Argentina attacked in waves.
After the game, Thomas Tuchel later insisted he had 'no regrets' about his tactical switch, comments which have drawn widespread criticism from fans and pundits alike.
Bellingham's exchange with Messi
Bellingham, far and away England's standout performer across the campaign, was at the heart of the action again at Mercedes-Benz Stadium – even after the final whistle when he was pictured slapping Argentina's Valentin Barco. Earlier on, during a momentary pause in play in only the fourth minute, the Real Madrid star was embroiled in a fiery exchange with Messi, with the pair gesticulating at one another before the latter was seen making a face and nodding away pointedly.
'We were discussing a foul actually. But no, it was nothing, nothing bad,' Bellingham told reporters when asked about the incident. '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, “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. There was nothing like that against him.'
Bellingham's disappointment and respect for Messi
Bellingham brushed off the confrontation and reiterated that it was a 'privilege' to lock horns with the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, who was making his first-ever appearance against the Three Lions. 'I'm obviously on the losing side which hurts a lot,' he added. 'But it was a privilege to line up against him.'
A 'gutted' and bitterly 'disappointed' Bellingham said he hoped England would be able to take the lessons forward into future challenges. 'I think we can take a lot from the experience but it is so gutting,' he continued. 'I wanted to be a part of an England squad that finally did it, finally got it over the line. To be here telling the fans unfortunately the same things they've probably heard for years and years, it's really gutting. I wish I could say more, I wish I could give one more win or two more wins. But yeah, at the moment my head's a bit fuzzy with disappointment so I'm sorry.'
Tuchel under fire but FA stands by him
Tuchel has come in for heavy criticism and is facing calls to resign for the cautiousness with which England played after taking the lead. However, the FA are reportedly planning to keep faith with the former Chelsea, PSG and Bayern Munich boss. Tuchel put pen to paper on a two-year extension with the Three Lions in February, with his contract running through to Euro 2028.
Argentina's victory sets up what promises to be a compelling showdown with Luis de la Fuente's Spain in Sunday's final. England, meanwhile, must pick themselves up off the floor to do battle with France in the third-place playoff on Saturday.
