Spain's Aymeric Laporte feels referees should stop Argentina's physical approach

Spain defender Aymeric Laporte believes referees must do more to control Argentina’s physical style of play ahead of Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final, saying recent matches have seen too much being allowed to pass without punishment. Speaking to Spanish newspaper Marca, Laporte said he had no issue with aggressive football as long as officials enforced the laws consistently.

Spain face Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the World Cup final after beating France 2-0 in the semi-finals, while the defending champions edged England 2-1 to book their place in the title clash. As the countdown to the final gathers pace, Laporte admitted Spain are wary of Argentina’s combative approach but insisted the responsibility lies with the referee.

“I have absolutely no problem with aggression if it’s within football and if the referee does his job,” Laporte told Marca.

“It is true that in recent matches we’ve seen things that have surprised us, especially involving Argentina. They’re a team that leaves a lot in on challenges and I don’t think that should be allowed, especially in competitions of this magnitude.”

The former Manchester City defender argued that allowing repeated heavy challenges could affect the rhythm of the game and provoke unnecessary confrontations between players.

“Those actions can unsettle you and make you angry. I think it’s part of the referee’s job to control those situations. If one or two players are allowed to do it, then the match becomes chaotic,” he said.

Laporte contrasted Argentina’s style with Spain’s own approach, describing Luis de la Fuente’s side as one that relies on discipline rather than intimidation.

“Since the start of the tournament we’ve been a very fair team. We’re not the type of players who go out trying to hurt opponents or make reckless fouls. We have to stay true to that, but a lot depends on the refereeing. There has to be someone who controls those actions so that it’s football and nothing else.”

HALF THE MISSION

Laporte also revealed Spain deliberately kept celebrations muted after eliminating France because the squad believes the job is far from finished.

“When we beat France, we celebrated in the dressing room, but it wasn’t crazy because our objective isn’t to beat France, it’s to win the tournament. Completing only half the mission isn’t enough for us,” he said.

The centre-back added that Spain have carried that mentality throughout the competition despite entering the tournament with fewer expectations than some of the favourites.

“A lot of people didn’t believe in us from the beginning, but we believed in ourselves. Anything other than winning would be a disappointment for us.”

MESSI PRAISE

Laporte also reserved warm words for Argentina captain Lionel Messi, calling the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner one of football’s all-time greats while hoping the fairy-tale ending belongs to Spain.

“He’s been a legend ever since we were kids. We’ve all watched videos of Leo. He’s an incredible footballer and we’ve all enjoyed watching him over the years. But now I hope this one isn’t for him. I hope it’s for us.”

Spain are bidding to lift their second World Cup crown, while Argentina are aiming to successfully defend the title they won in Qatar four years ago.

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