ENGLAND superstar Jude Bellingham played down his fiery exchange with Argentina captain Lionel Messi that went viral during an intense World Cup encounter.

The Three Lions after a 2-1 loss to their bitter rivals on Wednesday at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.

England player Jude Bellingham and Argentina player Lionel Messi facing each other on a soccer field.England star Jude Bellingham played down his fiery exchange with Argentina captain Lionel Messi Credit: Getty Images – Getty Argentina's Lionel Messi talking to England's Jude Bellingham and Harry Anderson on a soccer field.Messi and Bellingham had an intense confrontation during Argentina’s victory over England Credit: Shutterstock Editorial

Thomas Tuchel’s side opened the scoring with Anthony Gordon on 55 minutes but the reigning world champions with goals by Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez.

But a between Bellingham, 23, and , 39, caught the fans’ eye during the first half.

The stars traded words after referee Ismail Elfath had given a foul.

It was the Real Madrid star who appeared to get the last word in, leaving the legend looking a bit stunned before walking off.

The Inter Miami superstar gave a snarky look and waved him off with his head on the way off the field.

However, the versatile midfielder insisted there was “nothing bad at all” between the two after the match.

The star claimed they were just discussing the foul and that was the end of it.

Bellingham said: “We were discussing a foul actually, but it was nothing bad at all.

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“I’m sure everyone will do their thing and make it a big deal, but no, it was nothing big really.

“I thought it was a foul earlier and he said, ‘What about the one on me?’ And I was just saying, ‘You’re strong enough to take them’.

“It’s a privilege to play against him, it was nothing like that against him.

“Obviously I’m on the losing side, it hurts a lot but it’s a privilege to play against one of the best.”