Bellingham confronts Argentina players after comeback defeat, explains Messi flashpoint | OneFootball

Jude Bellingham lost his composure after England’s World Cup defeat to Argentina, confronting rival players on the pitch. According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, team-mates and opponents stepped in to separate the midfielder.

England had led through Anthony Gordon’s 1-0, after which Thomas Tuchel dropped his side deeper with defensive changes. Argentina then controlled almost all of the second half and completed the turnaround.

As Argentina celebrated near him, Bellingham turned and struck Valentín Barco on the back of the neck. The Strasbourg player immediately shoved him, while Nico Paz, formerly of Real Madrid, tried to calm things.

Bellingham went back towards Barco, pointing a finger close to his face, before Otamendi intervened and pushed the England international away. Jordan Pickford and James Trafford moved in to cool tempers.

Afterward, Bellingham said his first-half exchange with Lionel Messi began over a foul decision and he played it down. He explained he thought there had been a foul earlier, Messi asked about one on himself, and Bellingham replied that he was strong enough to ride it.

He acknowledged Argentina’s superiority, called it a privilege to face one of the best, and expressed heartbreak at England’s elimination. Bellingham apologised to supporters, saying he had wanted to be part of the England team that finally achieved it.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo