A body language expert has claimed that Lionel Messi was "not impressed" with Jude Bellingham following a "dismissive" exchange during Argentina's 2-1 victory over England in the World Cup semi-final.
Messi's Sarcastic Response
During the first half of the match in Atlanta, Messi and Bellingham had a brief confrontation. According to Inbaal Honigman, a body language expert speaking exclusively to the Daily Star on behalf of Covers.com, Messi ended the interaction with a "sarcastic" facial expression after Bellingham appeared "unbothered" by the conversation.
Honigman described the exchange: "Messi and Bellingham's little conversation is lively. The Englishman's arms are wide, showing openness and honesty, while the Argentine keeps his arms closer to his body, not really keen to even have this exchange."
Bellingham's Dismissive Walkaway
As the exchange concluded, Bellingham laughed, shrugged his shoulders, and walked away. Honigman interpreted this as "dismissive," adding that Bellingham intended to show he couldn't add anything to the conversation. However, Messi might have been "a little hurt" by Bellingham's unbothered demeanor.
Messi responded with a "faux 'well done, aren't you clever'" expression, pressing his lips together and raising his chin. Honigman explained that while the expression might appear impressed, it was actually sarcastic. "He's absolutely not impressed," she said, likening it to a "Tony Soprano face" intended as a sardonic response to Bellingham's indifference.
Match Context
Messi was instrumental in Argentina's 2-1 win, which broke England's hearts and sent the South American side to the World Cup final. The match marked a high-stakes encounter between two football powerhouses, with Messi's experience and Bellingham's emerging talent on display.
This analysis comes from a body language expert's interpretation of a brief on-field interaction, highlighting the psychological dynamics at play in high-pressure matches.
