# Lionel Messi and Jude Bellingham clash in tense World Cup moment… before Argentina icon has last laugh as he reaches second straight final

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/lionel-messi-and-jude-bellingham-clash-in-tense-world-cup-moment-before-argentina-icon-has-last-laugh-as-he-reaches-second-straight-final/
- Published: 2026-07-16T08:06:41+00:00
- Updated: 2026-07-16T08:12:19+00:00
- Original publisher: Daily Mail (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.dailymail.com/sport/football/article-15980701/lionel-messi-jude-bellingham-clash-world-cup.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490
- Topics: Celebrity, Entertainment, UK, World

## Key points

- Argentina beat England 1-2 in a fiery World Cup semi-final
- Messi and Bellingham clashed as Argentina reached the final
- Tuchel faces criticism but is expected to keep his job

## Summary

Argentina beat England 1-2 in a tense World Cup semi-final, eliminating the Three Lions and sending Lionel Messi's side into a second consecutive final. The match featured a heated on-pitch moment between Messi and England's Jude Bellingham, with tempers flaring as Argentina fought back from behind to seal victory late on.

Bellingham was seen remonstrating with goalkeeper Jordan Pickford over Argentina's equaliser, which he felt should have been saved, while Messi reportedly identified a "cheat sheet" the England star had prepared for penalties. Bellingham was also filmed slapping Argentina's Valentin Barco amid post-match celebrations. The defeat has prompted heavy criticism of England manager Thomas Tuchel's tactics and substitutions from pundits including Wayne Rooney, though the FA is said to retain confidence in him and he is expected to stay in the role.

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