England midfielder Jude Bellingham says playing against football great Lionel Messi was a privilege after the pair faced off in the semifinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Messi’s Argentina beat Bellingham’s England 2-1 after storming back from a goal down to qualify to its second FIFA World Cup Final in a row.
Inter Miami forward Messi, starred in the game by assisting Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez for Argentina’s goals.
The two were captured in a viral video while engaged in an animated conversation that Bellingham addressed by stating,
“We were discussing a foul actually. It was nothing bad. I’m sure everyone will do their thing and make it a big deal [out of it] but it was nothing big really.”
“It was a privilege to play against him, it was nothing like that against him. I’m obviously on the losing side which hurts a lot but a privilege to line up against one of the best.”
Messi’s Argentina take on Spain in the 2026 World Cup Final on Sunday, July 19.
🚨🎙️Messi & Bellingham after the World Cup final:
Messi: “That decision should’ve went our way.”
Bellingham: “No, there was no foul.”
Messi: “ He hit me in the head.”
Bellingham: “No foul.”
Messi: “Alright.” 🤌🏻 pic.twitter.com/thRck1krpL
— MC (@CrewsMat10) July 16, 2026
