Messi’s Iconic Shrug And Bellingham’s Barco Slap: Argentina-England Was Tense

The World Cup semifinal between England and Argentina on Wednesday proved to be an all-timer that featured tons of tough physical play. 

And it also produced what surely will be one of the most iconic images in the tournament’s history. 

With England up a goal against Argentina thanks to Anthony Gordon’s 55th-minute goal, Lionel Messi and Jude Bellingham then traded words after a stoppage in play due to a foul. As Bellingham walked away smirking, the Argentina icon shrugged off the England star and went to work on rallying his team to victory.

Enzo Fernández then leveled up the score at 1-all for Argentina in the 85th minute, knocking through a score off an assist from Messi, who then assisted on the eventual game-winning goal from Lautaro Martínez in the second minute of stoppage time.

After the final whistle, several England players got in the faces of a handful of Argentina players, a scene that included Bellingham slapping Argentina midfielder Valentín Barco in the back of the head.

But the scuffle and the background noise didn’t stop the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner from taking in the moment as his teammates lifted their talismanic captain into the air and sang along with the supporters in the stands.

After the match, Bellingham explained what caused the exchange with Messi. 

“We were discussing a foul actually,” Bellingham later said. “It was nothing bad. I’m sure everyone will do their thing and make it a big deal [out of it]. Nevertheless it was nothing huge actually.

“I assumed there was a foul earlier and he stated: ‘What in regards to the one on me?’ I stated: ‘You are sturdy sufficient to take it.’ what I imply?

After a primary half with 19 mixed fouls (Argentina had 12, whereas England had seven), England drew first blood when Gordon discovered the again of the online within the fifty fifth minute earlier than Argentina’s late rally. 

Concurrently, each Messi and Bellingham have been among the many standout performers of the match.

“It was a privilege to play towards him, it was nothing like that towards him. I am clearly on the shedding aspect which hurts loads. However a privilege to line up towards among the best,” Bellingham stated. 

Messi has totaled eight targets — which is tied with France celebrity striker Kylian Mbappé for probably the most within the match — and 4 assists, highlighted by a hat trick towards Algeria and a brace towards Austria (each feats got here within the group stage). In the meantime, Bellingham has scored six targets, highlighted by braces towards Mexico within the spherical of 16 and Norway within the quarterfinals.

Argentina’s quest to repeat as World Cup champions involves a head on Sunday afternoon when it performs Spain within the 2026 World Cup Remaining (3 p.m. ET on FOX and FOX One). In the meantime, England will play France within the third-place match on Saturday afternoon (5 p.m. ET on FOX and FOX One).