Tom Holland says Erling Haaland left his DM unanswered after invitation to hang out

Tom Holland has admitted he was left feeling "humbled" after football star Erling Haaland failed to respond to a direct message inviting him to hang out during the FIFA World Cup.

The Spider-Man actor shared the amusing story during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where the host referenced an online claim that Haaland didn't recognize Holland when he received the message.

Asked if the report was true, Holland laughed and confirmed, "Yes."

"I tell you what, that is exactly the type of humbling experience that is important for actors," he joked. 

"You'll be like, 'I'll text him, I'll take him to dinner,' not even a response, not an excuse, not 'I'm busy tonight, I'm playing football,' nada."

Holland explained that he decided to reach out after spotting the Manchester City striker at the Monaco Grand Prix earlier this summer while supporting Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton.

"I saw him in a hospitality suite across from me, and I just thought I'd shoot my shot. Send him a text," he said, adding with a smile, "I never imagined I would talk about it on live television, but here we are."

Despite the unanswered message, Holland insisted he would still like to meet the Norwegian footballer. 

However, he joked that Haaland may not be eager to accept an invitation following England's 2-1 victory over Norway in the World Cup quarter-finals.

"I don't think he would have dinner with me after the other day," Holland quipped, prompting Fallon to agree that the footballer was probably "hurting a little bit."

Even so, the actor had nothing but praise for Haaland, calling him "an absolute legend" and "incredible" as a player.

Looking ahead, Holland also expressed confidence in England's chances as they prepare to face Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals.

"It feels like something is in the air right now," he said. "Sometimes in life, I just get a feeling, and I have that feeling right now, Jimmy."