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England’s Jude Bellingham Slaps Argentinian Player After Tussle With Messi At World Cup

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REUTERS/Paul Childs

Jude Bellingham slapped an Argentinian player after a World Cup loss.


England lost to Argentina in World Cup action. It will not play for a championship this tournament. The team’s run ends one game shy of a title bout with Spain. Frustrations were seen in the moments that followed the loss.

Star player Jude Bellingham was seen slapping an Argentinian opponent during a postgame celebration. It sparked a brief standoff after a chippy contest.

Bellingham spoke on some of the tensions while addressing the media.

Jude Bellingham slapped an opposing player.

Argentinian players began celebrating after a dramatic come from behind win. England led 1-0 up through the 85th minute. Argentina scored twice at the end of regulation to advance.

Players gathered on the field after the game ended. Bellingham was in the vicinity. It appears he took issue with something said by Valentin Barco.

Here’s a closer look.

What sparked the altercation is somewhat unclear. After some pushing and shoving, cooler heads prevailed. It was far from the only disagreement between the two sides.

After a go-ahead goal, Bellingham got into it with Rodrigo De Paul.

That came moments after an exchange with Argentina’s star player.

Lionel Messi also had beef.

Prior to his now-viral slap, Jude Bellingham was seen arguing with Messi over a foul call.

“[We were] discussing a foul, actually,” he said after the game. “But it was nothing bad. I’m sure everyone will do their thing and make it a big deal. But no, it was nothing really.”

He further minimized the beef by giving Messi praise.

“It’s privilege to play against [Lionel Messi],” Bellingham said. “There was nothing against him. I’m obviously on the losing side which hurts a lot, but it’s a privilege to go against him.”

Messi assisted both Argentinian goals. He will now move onto the championship round. England’s run at the World Cup is through.