Messi Gets Away With NFL-Style Tackle On Jude Bellingham, Doesn’t Get Called For It, & England Fans Are Furious

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters

England fans are not happy with how their game against Argentina was officiated.

Throughout the tournament, FIFA has been accused of favoring Argentina.

During a group stage game against Algeria, Messi avoided a yellow card despite stepping on an Algerian player’s leg.

On Wednesday, Argentina defeated England 2-1 to advance in the World Cup.

During the game, Messi appeared to get away with an NFL-style tackle on Jude Bellingham, and fans are furious that he wasn’t called for it.

WHY IS MESSI DOING RUGBY TACKLES IN FOOTBALL pic.twitter.com/LGCHyK0VlJ — fan (@NoodleHairCR7) July 15, 2026

Cheating their way to another World Cup win. https://t.co/WKgV9pdkZB — Robert Carter (@Bob_cart124) July 15, 2026

Bellingham was not pleased with Messi’s tactics during the game and confronted the Argentine star on the pitch.

A closer look at this exchange between superstars Leo Messi and Jude Bellingham in the FIFA World Cup Semifinals pic.twitter.com/2Np6CSNNzH — FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 15, 2026

Source: BroBible