Lionel Messi and Jude Bellingham squared up to one another as tempers flared in Argentina’s World Cup semifinal against England on Wednesday.
Early on in the game at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Messi was seen exchanging tense words with the England superstar after a foul ignited an altercation between several players.
As Bellingham moved away before play resumed, the Argentina captain produced a viral moment by staring at him and then nodding his head sarcastically.
And in the end, it was Messi who had the last laugh after providing two assists to help his country come from behind to reach the World Cup final.
Anthony Gordon fired England ahead in the 55th minute, turning home Morgan Rogers’ cross from close range to break the deadlock.
Yet almost half an hour later Enzo Fernandez drew Argentina level with a sensational long-range finish after receiving the ball from Messi, before Lautaro Martinez headed home the captain’s cross in the 92nd minute to break English hearts.
Lionel Messi and Jude Bellingham squared up to one another at the World Cup on Wednesday
It means Messi will aim to lead Argentina to a second straight World Cup win against Spain in Sunday’s final, which would make them the first champions to successfully defend their title since Brazil in 1962.
Messi and Bellingham’s clash was not the only heated moment during the game, which proved a fiery one from start to finish.
Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes was also branded ‘pathetic’ for attempting to get England captain Harry Kane sent off in the semifinal.
Midfielder Elliot Anderson was repeatedly fouled and eventually bit back, earning himself a yellow card – before Paredes launched his cynical scheme.
Kane went over to the referee to discuss Anderson’s booking and briefly covered his mouth while he was speaking.
Paredes then instantly started complaining to the official, signalling that Kane had covered his mouth.
A new FIFA rule means that players are not allowed to cover their mouths when talking to other stars – but this does not include referees.
Messi had the last laugh as Argentina came from behind to reach the World Cup final
It was heartbreak for Bellingham and England, who were leading up until the 85th minute
Two players, Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron and Ecuador’s Piero Hincapie, have been sent off for the offence this World Cup, but Kane was not doing it to another player.
‘Pathetic,’ said Joe Hart of Paredes on English channel BBC Sport at half-time. ‘He was talking to the referee. He was trying to be clear – it’s so difficult to communicate out there.
‘Harry Kane was just trying to have a personal conversation with the referee.
‘I get it, of course they’re going to do anything they can to win this game.’
Wayne Rooney added: ‘I think it’s ridiculous.’
