Jude Bellingham has dismissed suggestions that his tense exchange with Lionel Messi during England’s World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina was anything serious, explaining that the pair were simply ‘discussing a foul’.
Messi once again proved decisive as Argentina booked their place in this year’s World Cup final.
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The legendary forward set up goals for Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez as the reigning champions completed a dramatic comeback to win late in Atlanta.
England appeared destined for victory after Anthony Gordon fired them ahead, turning Morgan Rogers’ cross into the net to give the Three Lions the lead ten minutes into the second half.
However, England paid the price for retreating into a defensive shell in an effort to protect their narrow advantage.
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Thomas Tuchel’s side sank deeper and deeper as Argentina piled on the pressure with relentless attacks.
Despite the defeat, Tuchel later maintained he had ‘no regrets’ over the tactical changes he made, remarks that have sparked significant criticism from both supporters and football pundits.
Bellingham, who had been England’s standout player throughout the tournament, remained central to the drama at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Even after the final whistle, cameras caught him slapping Argentina defender Valentin Barco.
Earlier in the contest, during a brief stoppage in the fourth minute, the Real Madrid midfielder was involved in a tense exchange with Messi.
The two players gestured toward each other before Messi responded with a facial expression and a pointed nod as he walked away.
‘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 once again downplayed the confrontation, repeating that it had been a ‘privilege’ to face the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who was making his first appearance against England.
‘I’m obviously on the losing side which hurts a lot,’ he added.
‘But it was a privilege to line up against him.’
A visibly ‘gutted’ and deeply ‘disappointed’ Bellingham admitted he hoped England could use the painful experience as motivation moving forward.
‘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 has faced intense scrutiny since the defeat, with many critics calling for him to step down because of England’s cautious tactics after taking the lead.
Even so, the Football Association is reportedly prepared to continue backing the former Chelsea, PSG and Bayern Munich manager.
Tuchel signed a two-year contract extension with England in February, keeping him in charge through to Euro 2028.
Argentina’s comeback victory has set up a highly anticipated World Cup final against Luis de la Fuente’s Spain on Sunday.
England, meanwhile, will have to recover quickly as they prepare to take on France in Saturday’s third-place playoff.
