Bellingham said: ‘I’m sure everyone will do their job and blow it out of proportion, but for me there was nothing.’
By Kehinde Okeowo
England midfielder Jude Bellingham has said his altercation with Argentina captain Lionel Messi during their 2-1 loss in the semi-final of the 2026 World Cup on Wednesday night ‘was nothing bad’.
The Real Madrid star played down the potential rift while speaking to journalists after the fiery last-four encounter.
Bellingham and Messi were caught on camera exchanging strong words as tensions boiled over during the match.
Anthony Gordon had given the Three Lions the lead before the current holders scored two late goals to qualify for the final of the tournament.
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Asked what transpired after the match, Bellingham replied: ‘There were zero problems with Messi.’
He added: ‘We were talking about a bit of friction on the pitch, but 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, it was a privilege to face Leo.’
