ENGLAND fans spotted Lionel Messi’s actions after the half-time whistle blew in Atlanta.

And supporters watching the World Cup semi-final were left furious at the Argentina forward.

England and Argentina headed into the break goalless after a fiery, stop-start first-half.

There were 19 fouls in the opening 45 minutes and zero shots on target.

Messi, 39, won a couple of fouls but had some appeals turned away by referee Ismail Elfath.

The former Barcelona man was seen talking to the referee as the half-time whistle blew.

And fans were left furious after seeing Messi’s actions.

One said: “Messi trying to sweet talk the ref.”

Another posted: “Shut up Messi!”

While a third commented: “Lionel Messi complaining to the referee at halftime.”

Elfath is a referee in Major League Soccer and was fourth official in the 2022 World Cup final – where Argentina beat France on penalties.

He has officiated four Inter Miami games featuring Messi – and is known as the Argentine star’s ‘favourite referee’.

Messi has won every league game with Elfath in the middle.

And that record continued on Wednesday as Argentina produced another late show to break England hearts.

Anthony Gordon gave the Three Lions the lead in the 55th minute.

But Enzo Fernandez levelled it five minutes from time before Lautaro Martinez’s injury-time header.

Argentina will take on Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey.