England midfielder Jude Bellingham has dismissed suggestions of a confrontation with Lionel Messi during his side’s heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Television cameras captured Bellingham and the Argentina captain exchanging words during the fiercely contested encounter, fuelling speculation that tensions had boiled over between the two superstars.
England had taken the lead through Anthony Gordon, only for Argentina to stage a dramatic comeback with goals from Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez to secure their place in Sunday’s final against Spain.
Asked about the incident after the match, Bellingham insisted there was no animosity between himself and the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
“There were zero problems with Messi,” the Real Madrid midfielder said.
“We were talking after a challenge, but there was nothing bad at all.
“I’m sure people will make more of it than it actually was, but for me there was nothing.
“It was a privilege to play against Leo.”
Bellingham’s comments are likely to end speculation surrounding the exchange, as England now shift their attention to Saturday’s third-place play-off against France.
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