Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:18am on 17 Jul 2026,Friday Sports
England midfielder Jude Bellingham has dismissed speculation over his animated on-field exchange with Lionel Messi during England's 2-1 FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal defeat to Argentina, insisting it was "nothing bad." Bellingham said the discussion was about a foul, with Messi reminding him of an earlier challenge before both moved on. Calling it a privilege to face "one of the best," the England star admitted the defeat hurt but denied any hostility. Messi inspired Argentina's comeback with assists for Enzo Fernandez's equaliser and Lautaro Martinez's stoppage-time winner. Argentina will face Spain in the World Cup final, while England take on France in the third-place playoff.
