Football Italia
·16 July 2026
Ex-Italy star Rossi identifies Bellingham moment that made ‘huge difference’ vs. Argentina: ‘Crazy’

In partnership with
Yahoo sportsFootball Italia
·16 July 2026

Former Italy star Giuseppe Rossi feels that a Leandro Paredes push on Jude Bellingham after the Englishman touched the ball for the first time against Argentina made ‘a huge difference’ in the World Cup semifinal: ‘He never recovered mentally.’
Rossi commented on Argentina’s 2-1 win over England in the World Cup semifinal through his official X account.
The ex-Manchester United talent focused on Bellingham’s performance, highlighting the moment that he believes changed the game of the Real Madrid star.
“Let’s remember this…many of you think I’m crazy for saying this but in my opinion it made a huge difference. The first ball Bellingham touched, Paredes pushes him over very later after he releases the ball,” Rossi wrote.
“Right there is where Jude never can back to the game mentally….

FLORENCE, ITALY – MAY 27: Giuseppe Rossi of Italy during a training session at Coverciano on May 27, 2014 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
“The mind game worked and Jude was a non factor all game, worrying more about the off ball stuff rather than focused on his work. The game isn’t won only because you’re bigger and faster. At these levels especially, it’s a psychological battle and Argentina are masters at it.”
Inevitably, Rossi also praised Argentina star Lionel Messi, who provided assists for both of his side’s goals last night: “It still hasn’t sunk in what Messi is doing at 39….i think after this World Cup is over we will realize that we will never see something like this again. GOAT.”







































