Bellingham Downplays Messi Clash, Calls Playing Him a Privilege

Jude Bellingham has clarified his heated exchange with Lionel Messi during England's World Cup semi-final loss to Argentina, describing it as a minor disagreement over a foul rather than a significant confrontation.

The England midfielder acknowledged the visible confrontation during the match, which fueled speculation among fans. However, Bellingham insisted that there was no ill will between him and the Argentine captain. He explained that the discussion arose from a foul awarded in Argentina's favor, where he felt a foul should have been called earlier. Bellingham recounted telling Messi, "You are strong enough to take it, you know what I mean?" after Messi questioned his reaction.

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We were discussing a foul actually, it was nothing bad. I’m sure everyone will do their thing and make it a big deal, but it was nothing big really. I thought there was a foul earlier and he said ‘What about the one on me?’ I said to him, ‘You are strong enough to take it, you know what I mean’.

Despite England's 2-1 defeat ending their World Cup campaign, Bellingham expressed his respect for Messi. "It was a privilege to play against him," he stated, emphasizing that the encounter was not personal. He admitted that the loss was painful but reiterated that lining up against one of football's greatest players was an honor.

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It was a privilege to play against him. It was nothing like that against him. I’m obviously on the losing side, and it hurts a lot. But privilege to line up against one of the best.