Jude Bellingham puts an end to controversy with Lionel Messi

The English midfielder addresses their tense exchange during the World Cup semi-final.

World Cup 2026 16 July 2026 at 04:16

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Jude Bellingham puts an end to controversy with Lionel Messi

15.07.26 FT World Cup

England

Argentina

The brief clash between Jude Bellingham and Lionel Messi during the 2026 World Cup semi-final will not escalate any further. After Argentina's 2-1 victory, the English midfielder was quick to put an end to the speculation.

Asked about his exchange with the Argentine captain, Bellingham made it clear there was no conflict between them.

For me, it was a huge privilege to play against Leo. He is having an extraordinary World Cup. I wish him the best of luck in the final.

His remarks confirm that the brief tension was purely a result of the match's intensity and the high stakes of a place in the final.

🫱🏻‍🫲🏼 Jude Bellingham: “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 was a PRIVILEGE to face Leo”. pic.twitter.com/Pfex4L3zgD
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 16, 2026

After falling behind, Argentina turned the match around against England thanks to goals from Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez. The Albiceleste will now play yet another World Cup final, where they'll face Spain with the ambition to retain their world champion crown.