'It shouldn't be allowed in football' - Spain's Aymeric Laporte calls on referee to 'handle' Argentina's physicality in 2026 FIFA World Cup final

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Spain defender Aymeric Laporte says that Argentina ”like to leave a mark on their opponents” ahead of Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final, insisting their behaviour in recent games ”shouldn’t be allowed in football”.

Aymeric Laporte is expecting a physical contest against Argentina

Image credit: Getty Images

Reigning European champions Spain will take on the current world and South American champions at New York New Jersey Stadium, in what will be the first meeting between the two countries at the World Cup since 1966.

Argentina have adopted a physical approach during their run to a third World Cup final in four tournaments, and it was particularly evident in their semi-final victory over England.

There were three late challenges in the opening three minutes of the game, including Leandro Paredes pushing Jude Bellingham in the back and Enzo Fernandez shoving Elliot Anderson in the back of his head.

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However, the first Argentinian booking only came in the 42nd minute, and speaking before Sunday’s showdown, Laporte has called on the officials to do more to limit these kinds of fouls.

"It's the referee's job to keep a handle on these things so the situation doesn't get out of hand," the former Manchester City player told Spanish sports newspaper Marca.

"If one or two players are allowed to act that way, the match descends into chaos."

Enzo Fernandez pushes Elliot Anderson in the back of the head

Image credit: Getty Images

The 32-year-old added: "I'm not at all worried about aggression within the context of football. If it's within the rules and the referee does their job, I have no problem with it.

"It is true, however, 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."

Argentina finished Wednesday’s game with only three bookings, with both central defenders Lisandro Martinez and Cristian Romero receiving a yellow, and substitute Rodrigo de Paul joining them in the book in stoppage-time.

Egypt alleged bias in favour of Argentina and their captain Lionel Messi after the defending champions' comeback victory in the last 16.

The North African side, who were 2-0 up with 11 minutes to play before Argentina scored three late goals, put their exit down to "serious refereeing mistakes" and "double standards" from the officials.

Egypt had a goal controversially disallowed after a VAR intervention, while they believed Argentina's winner should have been chalked off.

But in terms of Argentina’s approach, Spain manager Luis de la Fuente and captain Rodri played down talk of foul play during a news conference in New York on Friday.

"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," said De La Fuente. "I have admiration and further admiration."

Manchester City midfielder Rodri added: "We will see how the game plays out. I like to think [Argentina] are a team that gives their utmost and they don't go down that road.

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"But if we enter such a stage of the game, we have to ignore that and play our game so we do not get into provocations."

De La Fuente, looking to deliver Spain a first World Cup since 2010, added: "On Sunday we will watch a great show, two great national teams, very similar in some aspects in terms of attitudes and talent.

"I think it is going to be an amazing final. Each team will try and take the game to their own side.

"I believe both Spain and Argentina will have a game-plan where talent and good football will rule over everything else.

"The referee will be there to support us and that the football is at a level expected of a World Cup final."

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