Jude Bellingham Targets Cristian Romero with Messi Mention in Madrid Derby Clash

During the intense Madrid derby on Sunday, Jude Bellingham brought up Lionel Messi while confronting Cristian Romero. The match saw Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid edge past Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid 2-1 amid controversy.

Atletico took the lead through a penalty converted by Alejandro Grimaldo after Dean Huijsen was sent off. Later, Jonathan David doubled their advantage. Real managed a late goal from Antonio Rudiger but left the stadium empty-handed and frustrated.

Bellingham Criticizes Romero Over Refereeing Decisions

The match featured contentious decisions, including Bellingham receiving a booking for a foul on Romero, which was initially overturned by VAR to a yellow card for Romero instead. Real Madrid believed Romero's challenge deserved a red card, especially since Kang-in Lee escaped punishment for a harsh tackle on Federico Valverde, who might miss months due to injury.

Following the incident, Bellingham confronted Romero. A video clip of their exchange went viral, revealing Bellingham's jab: "When you’re with Lionel Messi, you talk a lot. But here, nothing." Reports also say Bellingham called Romero a 'coward', while Romero retorted by labeling Bellingham a 'cry baby' and referenced England's loss to Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals where he said Bellingham "cried over there."

After full-time, Bellingham could be heard shouting about "two red cards," expressing his anger. Real Madrid has responded with multiple statements, demanding that La Liga president Javier Tebas resign after Tebas dismissed claims that referees are biased against Real Madrid, accusing critics of "living on another planet."

Bellingham Opens Up on Past Interaction with Messi

A memorable moment from the World Cup showed Bellingham and Messi exchanging words during England's defeat to Argentina. Fans assumed tension between the two, but Bellingham clarified the situation to AS, explaining it was just a discussion about fouls:

"We were really just discussing a foul, actually. It wasn't anything bad... I thought there had been a foul earlier, and he said, 'What about the one on me?' And I said, 'You're strong enough to take it,' you know what I mean?"

Bellingham had an outstanding World Cup, regarded as one of the best individual performances by an England player in the tournament's history. He continued his impressive form at Real Madrid, netting three goals and providing three assists in eight matches this season.

The derby loss leaves Mourinho's side trailing in La Liga. They are currently fourth, six points behind leaders Barcelona and one point behind Atletico Madrid, heading into the upcoming international break.

• Match Result: Atletico Madrid 2 - 1 Real Madrid
• Goal Scorers: Alejandro Grimaldo (penalty), Jonathan David; Antonio Rudiger
• Key Incidents: Dean Huijsen sent off; controversial refereeing decisions involving Romero and Lee
• Bellingham Stats This Season: 3 goals, 3 assists in 8 games
• League Standings: Real Madrid 4th, 6 points behind Barcelona, 1 point behind Atletico Madrid