EXCLUSIVE: Lionel Messi could be heading for another World Cup trophy after Argentina beat England, but a body language expert has said the football icon was “not impressed” with England’s Jude Bellingham
Football icon Lionel Messi appeared to be “not impressed” by England and Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham following his “dismissive” exchange with the former Barcelona legend.
Messi was instrumental in helping Argentina edge to victory over England in the World Cup semi-final as the Three Lions lost 2-1 in Atlanta.
As England hearts broke, a leading body language expert was looking over a “gentle exchange” between Messi and Bellingham that appeared to have annoyed the Inter Miami star.
During a confrontation in the first half, Messi ended the interaction by pulling a “sarcastic” face at Bellingham after the former Birmingham City youngster appeared “unbothered” hearing what the legend had to say.
Speaking exclusively to the Star on behalf of Covers.com, body language expert and celebrity psychic Inbaal Honigman said: “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, reluctant to have a disagreement in the middle of such an important match.
“Messi’s eyebrows are pleading, turned into a triangle shape, as he tries to find the middle ground with Bellingham. It’s a gentle exchange. There’s no animosity or aggression, which we can tell because there’s no pointing, no jutting shoulders, no shows of intensity.
“However, towards the end of their exchange, Bellingham laughs, shrugs his shoulders and walks away, in a way which can be seen as dismissive. He intends to show that he can’t add anything to the conversation, but Messi might be a little hurt that Bellingham appears so unbothered.
Messi’s response is a faux ‘well done, aren’t you clever’. He presses his lips together and raises his chin, in an impressed expression. The actual meaning of this facial expression means that Messi is impressed, in awe of Bellingham’s cleverness, but Messi is being sarcastic. He’s absolutely not impressed.
“This Tony Soprano face is intended as a sardonic response to Bellingham’s indifference.”
Meanwhile, England fans were devastated as their hopes that the Three Lions could end 60 years of World Cup hurt were dashed when Argentina won 2-1 in their semi-final.
Supporters of Thomas Tuchel’s side had been optimistic that they could beat the defending champions, despite their concern that captain Lionel Messi could get in the way.
The joyous mood after Anthony Gordon put the Three Lions ahead 10 minutes into the second half – after a goalless, cagey first 45 minutes – came crashing down as Enzo Fernandez equalised 85 minutes in.
It soured even further when Lautaro Martinez put Argentina in the lead in the 92nd minute.