Jude Bellingham has dismissed suggestions of any bad blood with Lionel Messi after the pair were involved in an animated exchange during Englands World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina. Television cameras picked up the two players gesturing and exchanging words during the first half of Wednesdays clash in Atlanta, with the moment quickly becoming a talking point after Argentina came from behind to win 2-1.However, Bellingham insisted the conversation was nothing more than a discussion over a foul.We were discussing a foul actually, he said afterwards.It was nothing bad. Im sure everyone will do their thing and make it a big deal [out of it]. But it was nothing big really.I thought there was a foul earlier and he said: What about the one on me? I said: Youre strong enough to take it. You know what I mean?It was a privilege to play against him, it was nothing like that against him. Im obviously on the losing side which hurts a lot. But a privilege to line up against one of the best.Table of ContentsMessi has final sayTuchel scrutinised for tacticsMessi has final sayMessi would ultimately have the final say, creating two late goals as Argentina overturned Anthony Gordons opener to book a place in Sundays World Cup final against Spain.England had looked on course for their first World Cup final since 1966 after Gordon put Thomas Tuchels side ahead, only for Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez to complete the turnaround.Captain Harry Kane admitted the defeat was difficult to take after England had come so close once again on the international stage.Im gutted, Kane told BBC Sport.Im gutted for the boys, Im gutted for everyone, the team, the staff, the fans. We played a good game for the large majority of it.Once we went 1-0 up we seemed to just try and hold on which at this level is just not enough, so Im gutted.We worked so hard to be here. The lads have given every last bit of running, sweat, blood, tears, whatever it is, so to fall short like today is just gutting.Tuchel scrutinised for tacticsTuchels decision to make defensive substitutions after taking the lead has come under scrutiny, but Kane insisted the message from the coaching staff was to continue attacking.We struggled to get pressure on the ball [after the goal], Kane said.I thought especially in the first half and at the start of the second half we pressed them well, put them under loads of pressure, especially high up the pitch which allowed us to win balls and control the game a little bit better.After the goal, whether they were putting more men forward or us not being able to match them man-to-man it was just wave after wave.The lads were putting blocks in but in the end it was not enough.Kane also rejected the suggestion that England deliberately retreated after taking the lead.The boys were always ready for any moment in the game, he said.When we went ahead the messaging was to go again and get another goal.Once they scored their two goals it was to try and find something but we couldnt find any momentum to get back in the game. Topics Argentina National Football Team England National Football Team Jude Bellingham Lionel Messi Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Tottenhams Romero labels Gary Neville stupid after dumping England out of World Cup Mitch Fretton 16th July, 2026 UK Prime Minister Starmer wishes both teams well for the World Cup final, especially Spain after No 10 demand investigation into Argentina banner Jon Fisher 16th July, 2026 Kane opens up on England future after bowing out of another World Cup Mitch Fretton 16th July, 2026 Time to go Thomas! The five reasons why England boss Tuchel should be sacked Jon Fisher 16th July, 2026 Tuchel to remain England boss despite limp World Cup exit Jon Fisher 16th July, 2026 This one is for you Diego! Messi dedicates Argentinas win over England to Maradona Jon Fisher 16th July, 2026
