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The only thing returning home for England this year is more heartbreak and disappointment following their semifinal defeat to Argentina in the FIFA World Cup. And one viral Lionel Messi meme that likely only pours more salt on the wound.
England watched their World Cup aspirations crumble Wednesday as they conceded two goals in the final ten minutes against the relentless comeback specialists, Messi's Argentina, falling 2-1. In one of the most debatable tactical choices of the tournament, England manager Thomas Tuchel almost immediately shifted to a fully defensive lineup after Anthony Gordon handed the Three Lions a 1-0 advantage in the 55th minute. Tuchel's "parking the bus" approach ultimately backfired spectacularly, with Argentina pressing forward with full momentum for the final forty minutes—Messi went on to assist both of La Albiceleste's goals, including a precise right-foot cross to Lautaro Martínez for the decisive winner.
Well before Argentina's comeback was sealed, Messi appeared to share a heated moment with England midfielder Jude Bellingham over an uncalled foul. Early in the opening half, Messi and Bellingham were caught exchanging words in a tense on-field confrontation between the two headline stars.
Here's a closer look at the ex-Barca player and Madridista going at it:
A closer look at this exchange between superstars Leo Messi and Jude Bellingham in the FIFA World Cup Semifinals pic.twitter.com/2Np6CSNNzH
At the conclusion of their exchange, Messi can be seen raising his eyebrows, jutting out his lower lip and nodding at Bellingham in a self-assured yet confrontational manner—an uncharacteristic gesture from Argentina's typically reserved and understated superstar.
Messi's viral defiant nod has since evolved into one of the standout memes of the World Cup, with countless soccer fans jumping in on the fun across social media:
"Don't worry, my dog doesn't bite"
The dog: pic.twitter.com/DawvRtBuez
When their passive aggressive email has your manager CC'd "for visibility" pic.twitter.com/CosceVyJhn
"he is just a friend"pic.twitter.com/ZQTwWegHCE
when you buy every item off the Costco food court menu and your wife says you over-ordered and there's no way you can finish it all pic.twitter.com/xJ2vIVeOAQ
When the Starbucks barista tells me their new toilets are uncloggable. pic.twitter.com/uolesmSW8h
"We can take that question offline." pic.twitter.com/nDS1l5HiWq
When my buddy doesn't give me the 4 footer for double bogey pic.twitter.com/VYfCwbKmWa
Someone said this is the face Robert DeNiro gives in a mob movie when he decides to whack someone. Not sure that can be topped. https://t.co/ly6MJtFT74
What Jude Bellingham said about viral confrontation with Lionel Messi in England-Argentina semifinal
Bellingham spoke candidly about his brief encounter with the GOAT during a postgame press availability following England's 2-1 elimination defeat.
"We were talking about a foul, actually," Bellingham said. "But it was nothing serious. I'm sure everyone will do their thing and blow it out of proportion. But no, it was really nothing.
"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?"
The 23-year-old midfielder, who has scored six goals at this World Cup, was visibly fighting back tears after the final whistle as he shook hands with Argentina players—well, most of them. He also sparked a postgame altercation with Argentina substitute Valentín Barco, slapping Barco on the back of the head.
Bellingham still couldn't help but acknowledge Messi's brilliance despite the gut-wrenching outcome.
"It's a privilege to play against [Messi]," said Bellingham. "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."
Lionel Messi's magical run with Argentina at the 2026 World Cup
Four years after claiming his first-ever World Cup title in Qatar in 2022, Lionel Messi stands on the brink of winning it once more.
The 39-year-old has led a never-give-up Argentina side to a World Cup final showdown against Spain on Sunday at MetLife Stadium against all expectations—regardless of what the conspiracy theorists might claim.
Every one of Argentina's knockout matches were nerve-shredding affairs: after topping their group, the South American giants edged past Cape Verde in extra time in the round of 32, narrowly beat Egypt in a controversial 3-2 win in the round of 16, defeated Switzerland 3-1 in the quarterfinal, and then overcame their toughest challenge yet, England (ranked fourth globally by FIFA), in the semifinal.
It goes without saying, but Argentina would not be in this position without their diminutive magician, Lionel Messi. Messi is currently level with France's Kylian Mbappe in the Golden Boot standings (eight goals), but his impact stretches well beyond putting the ball in the net. Heading into Wednesday's semifinal against England, the Inter Miami star led his team in assists (two), chances created (21), successful dribbles per 90 minutes (2.5) and crosses (12) throughout the tournament.
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Messi then added a pair of assists against England, who appeared to do everything in their power to stop him from scoring yet couldn't fully neutralize the threat he posed. A clear illustration of how Messi affects opposing defenses came on Argentina's equalizer in the 85th minute, when Messi was carrying the ball on the right side of the box in the attacking third. As he prepared to cut inside onto his dominant left foot, England midfielder Elliot Anderson rushed across to support left back Djed Spence in defending and closing down potential shooting lanes. In doing so, he left Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernández completely unmarked at the top of the box. Messi slipped it to Fernández, who had been threatening a long-range effort for much of the second half, and the rest is history.
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Kristen Wong is a staff writer on the Breaking and Trending News team at Sports Illustrated. She has been a sports journalist since 2020 and holds a bachelor's degree in English and linguistics from Columbia University. Prior to joining SI in November 2023, Wong covered four NFL teams as an associate editor within the FanSided NFL network and served as a staff writer for the brand's flagship site. She is a lifelong Liverpool supporter who enjoys tackling crossword puzzles and spending time at her local dive bar in NYC.