World Cup 2026: Argentina like to leave mark on opponents

Spain defender Aymeric Laporte claims Argentina are a team that "likes to leave a mark on their opponents" and "that sort of thing shouldn't be allowed in football".

European champions Spain face reigning world champions Argentina in the World Cup final at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday (20:00 BST).

Argentina adopted a physical approach for their semi-final against England, when they scored two late goals to win 2-1 - having committed 15 fouls.

Just three minutes into the game, 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 also convinced that Argentina's winning goal should have been ruled out for a foul by Lionel Messi on Djed Spence.

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

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

Laporte, 32, 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."

Egypt alleged bias in favour of Argentina and favouritism towards their talisman Messi after the sides met in the last 16 in Atlanta on 7 July.

Egypt were leading 2-0 before Argentina came back to score three late goals, with their winner coming in the 92nd minute.

But both Spain boss Luis de la Fuente and captain Rodri were diplomatic when asked about Argentina's tactics in 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, who is looking to lead Spain to their first world title since 2010.

"I have admiration and further admiration."

Manchester City midfielder 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 stage of the game we have to ignore that and play our game so we do not get into provocations."

De La Fuente, who said teenage winger Lamine Yamal is fit after sitting out training, preferred to talk up Sunday's final instead of focus on Argentina's tactics.

"On Sunday we will watch a great show, two great national teams, very similar in some aspects in terms of attitudes and talent," he added.

"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 gameplan 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."

Three-time world champions Argentina are looking to become the first team since Brazil in 1958 and 1962 to win back-to-back men's World Cups.

Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni was not asked about his side's tactics during his news conference on Friday.

However, he did talk about about his friendship with Spain boss De La Fuente, formed in 2017 when De la Fuente was an instructor as Scaloni studied for his professional coaching licence.

"He knows me from a personal point of view," said Scaloni.

"We are friends but that doesn't mean he knows what I am thinking about when it comes to football.

"We haven't really been talking about playing style. We do have similar patterns of play when it comes to trying to have possession of the ball.

"I hope the game on Sunday will be a great show."

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