England midfielder Jude Bellingham has played down his animated on-field exchange with Lionel Messi during Wednesday's 2-1 FIFA World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, insisting the incident was nothing more than a disagreement over a refereeing decision.

Television cameras captured the two stars in a heated conversation during the first half of the tense encounter in Atlanta, prompting widespread speculation on social media about what had been said between them.

However, Bellingham dismissed suggestions of any bad blood after the match.

"The talk with Messi? 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. I thought there was a foul earlier and he said: 'What about the one on me?' And I said: 'You're strong enough to take it,' you know what I mean,” Bellingham told reporters.

Sack him now! – Tuchel under fire after England's defeat to Argentina

The Real Madrid midfielder also stressed that competing against Messi was a privilege despite England's heartbreaking exit from the tournament, saying the emotions of a World Cup semi-final naturally lead to passionate exchanges between players.

England looked on course for the final after Anthony Gordon gave Thomas Tuchel's side the lead in the 55th minute.

But defending champions Argentina mounted a dramatic late comeback, with Enzo Fernández equalising in the 85th minute before Lautaro Martínez headed home Messi's cross in stoppage time to secure a 2-1 victory and a place in Sunday's final against Spain.



FKA/JKB

Mansion, Luxury Vehicles: US lists properties seized from Abu Trica amid trial