Aymeric Laporte has accused Argentina of crossing a line — and warned the referee it is his job to stop the World Cup final descending into chaos. The Spain defender, speaking to Marca, claimed the reigning champions “like to leave a mark on their opponents” and that “that sort of thing shouldn’t be allowed in football”. His warning comes before Sunday’s showpiece at New York New Jersey Stadium, where European champions Spain face the world champions in a bid for their first global title since 2010.
Laporte’s remarks are rooted in Argentina’s semi-final against England, a match they won 2-1 with two late goals despite committing 15 fouls. Just three minutes in, Enzo Fernandez set the tone with a forceful challenge on Elliot Anderson from behind — appearing to strike the back of the England player’s neck — but he was not even cautioned. England fans were convinced Lionel Messi’s winning goal should have been ruled out for a foul on Djed Spence. Laporte said: “If one or two players are allowed to act that way, the match descends into chaos.”
“Spain's Aymeric Laporte accuses Argentina of dirty tactics before Sunday's World Cup final.”
The Mirror added that Argentina “lacked humility”, exemplified when substitute Valentin Barco invaded the pitch and screamed into Jude Bellingham’s face after Fernandez had equalised. Laporte, 32, insisted he has no problem with aggression within the rules, but added: “It is true that in recent matches we’ve seen things that really surprised us — actions that were allowed to slide. Especially with Argentina. They’re a team that likes to leave a mark on their opponents. That sort of thing shouldn’t be allowed in football — particularly in major competitions — because it can unsettle you and make you angry.”
Spain boss Luis de la Fuente and captain Rodri were more diplomatic when asked about Argentina’s tactics. De la Fuente said: “I respect everybody’s opinions and I would say I have the utmost admiration for [Argentina] who have been the champions of America and the world. I have admiration and further admiration.” Rodri added: “We will see how game plays out. I like to think [Argentina] are a team that gives their utmost and they don’t go down that road. But if we enter such a…” — his sentence trailing off.
Argentina’s physical approach is not new. Egypt alleged bias in favour of Argentina and favouritism towards Messi after the sides met in the last 16 on 7 July, when Egypt led 2-0 before Argentina scored three late goals, the winner in the 92nd minute. On Sunday, Laporte will have the chance to prove that “clean hearts always win” — as he told the Mirror — but first he needs the referee to keep control.