A viral video from Argentina’s World Cup semi-final win over England has fans buzzing over a heated exchange between Lionel Messi and Jude Bellingham.
The moment occurred during Wednesday’s match, which Argentina eventually won 2-1 to reach the final against Spain. In the clip, Bellingham appears visibly frustrated and seems to let Messi know about it. Messi does not back down, firing back his own words before the two players eventually walk away from each other as play continues.
It remains unclear exactly what was said between the two.
The exchange took place during a physical, closely fought contest between the two sides. England had taken a 1-0 lead early in the second half through Anthony Gordon, before Argentina’s late surge turned the game around in stoppage time.
The clip quickly spread across social media, with fans reacting strongly to the moment.
One user wrote, “Damn. Michael Jordan energy. He def took it personally. Why would you poke the tiger like that. Dumb. Too young and overconfident.”
Another wrote, “England lost the match here.”
One fan wrote, “Messi took it personally.”
Another referenced a well-known meme format, writing, “‘And I took that personally.'”
One user wrote, “Bro woke up and chose violence. Respect.”
Another wrote, “Messi reminded all of them why he’s the greatest of all time.”
One comment focused on Messi’s expression in the video, writing, “That look needs to be a meme.”
Another wrote simply, “They hurt his ego.”
Messi’s response, whatever it was, appeared to set the tone for Argentina’s second half.
The team fought back from a goal down to beat England 2-1, with Enzo Fernandez equalising in the 85th minute and Lautaro Martinez scoring the winner in stoppage time, both goals set up by Messi.
Argentina will now face Spain in Sunday’s final as they chase another World Cup title.
