Jude Bellingham finds himself in controversy after England crashed out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals, losing 1-2 to Argentina. The midfielder lost his composure after the full-time whistle. In a video which has gone viral on social media, he can be seen slapping Argentina’s Valentin Barco on the head while the Argentines were celebrating.
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Bellingham was standing alone in the pitch as players from the Argentine dugout ran in to celebrate. After he was consoled by an opposition player, a couple of Argentines were near him, celebrating, and Valentin Barco joined in.
Also Read: Lionel Messi fires back at critics after Argentina’s dramatic win over England: ‘People would’ve talked nonsense’
In the video, the Real Madrid star can be seen walking towards the Argentine players and then slapping Barco on the head. After being hit on the head, Barco retaliated by pushing Bellingham back. It was followed by a verbal confrontation, and other players, including Nicolas Otamendi, intervened.
England got the opening goal in the 55th minute. The move started deep as Lisandro Martinez’s clearance only went as far as Declan Rice, who picked out Morgan Rogers, who sent in a sensational cross. It was swept home by Anthony Gordon to give England a 1-0 lead.
Then, Djed Spence denied Guiliano Simeone with a last-ditch tackle, and Pickford also had to make a save to keep out Nico Gonzalez’s header as Argentina increased the pressure.
Alexis Mac Allister almost scored, but his header hit the inside of the left post. Finally, with five minutes left of normal time, Messi picked out Fernandez, 25 yards away from the England box. The midfielder’s long-range shot curled past Pickford and made it 1-1.
Seven minutes later, in stoppage time, Messi recycled a move and sent a cross into the box. Lautaro Martinez rose the highest and headed it into the net to clinch victory.
Bellingham also had a confrontation with Messi during the match. Speaking after full-time, he discussed the incident involving the Argentina captain.
“[We were] discussing a foul, actually,” he said.
“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.
“I thought there was a foul earlier and he said, ‘Well what about the one on me?’ and I was kind of saying, ‘You’re strong enough to take it,’ you know what I mean?
“It’s privilege to play against Messi. 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,” he added.
