Don’t mess with Lionel Messi: Argentina fans roast Jude Bellingham after viral spat
It’s never a good idea to provoke Lionel Messi on the pitch and Jude Bellingham has learned that lesson the hard way, according to Argentina fans. During the semi-final clash in Atlanta on Wednesday 15 July, there was a brief rift between the Argentina captain and the England midfielder just before the defending world champions produced a sensational return to the 2026 World Cup finals.
In the viral video, Bellingham was shown arguing with Messi and leaving with a smirk on his face. Messi remained calm and just nodded his head to show that he is ready for battle on the field. The Argentine champion set up both goals for his side early on as they eliminated England and set up a summit clash with Spain on Sunday.
Immediately after the win, Argentina fans took to social media to roast Bellingham for his antics and remind him that Messi is a player no one messes with.
It wasn’t the only time Bellingham found himself in the Atlanta spotlight. Right after the loss, the England midfielder got into a scuffle with Valentino Barca and some other Argentina players.
WHAT DID BELLINGHAM AND MESSI TALK ABOUT?
Bellingham revealed after the game what he said to Messi during their argument. The England star said, as quoted by USA Today, that they discussed the foul that had happened earlier and told the Argentina captain that he was strong enough to handle one.
“We actually discussed the foul,” Bellingham said. “But it wasn’t anything bad. I’m sure everyone’s going to do their thing and make a big deal out of it. But no, it wasn’t really anything.”
“Before I thought there was a foul and he said, ‘What about the one on me?’ and I was kind of like, ‘You’re strong enough to take it,’ you know what I mean?”
Bellingham also said it was a privilege to face Messi on the pitch despite England finishing on the losing side.
“It’s a privilege to play against (Messi),” Bellingham said. “There was nothing against him. Obviously I’m on the losing side, which hurts a lot, but it’s an honor to go against him.”
England will face France in the play-off for third place on Saturday 18 July.
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Published on:
16 Jul 2026 08:50 IST