Spain defender Aymeric Laporte has expressed his concerns regarding Argentina’s physical playing style, stating that the team “likes to leave a mark on their opponents,” something he believes “shouldn’t be allowed in football.”

The European champions Spain are set to face off against the reigning world champions Argentina in the World Cup final at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday at 20:00 BST.

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Argentina showcased a physical strategy during their semi-final against England, when they scored two late goals to win 2-1, during which they committed 15 fouls.

Just three minutes into the match, Enzo Fernandez set a harsh tone with a challenge from behind on Elliot Anderson, seemingly hitting the back of the England player’s neck, yet he received no caution.

Many England fans believed Argentina’s winning goal should have been disallowed due to a foul committed 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,” Laporte, a former Manchester City player, told Spanish sports newspaper Marca.

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

Laporte, 32, further noted that he has no issue with aggression as long as it stays within the rules and the referee does his job. “However, it’s true that in recent matches we’ve seen things that really surprised us—actions that were allowed to slide,” he said.

“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.”

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Egypt raised concerns about alleged bias in favour of Argentina and favoritism toward their star player Messi after their encounter in the last 16 in Atlanta on 7 July.

In that match, Egypt held a 2-0 lead before Argentina rallied to score three late goals, with the winner coming in the 92nd minute.

Meanwhile, Spain’s head coach Luis de la Fuente and captain Rodri responded diplomatically when questioned about Argentina’s tactics 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,” De La Fuente stated, aiming to lead Spain to their first world title since 2010.

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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. However, if we enter such a stage of the game we have to ignore that and play our game to avoid provocations.”

‘The referee will be there to support us’

De La Fuente, who confirmed that teenage winger Lamine Yamal is fit after sitting out training, opted to emphasize the upcoming final rather than focus on Argentina’s strategies.

“On Sunday we will witness a great show, with two excellent national teams, quite similar in some aspects regarding attitudes and talent,” he added.

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“I believe it is going to be an amazing final, where both teams will aim to direct the game to their favor. I trust that talent and good football will prevail.” He concluded by saying that “the referee will be there to support us and ensure that football is played at a level expected of a World Cup final.”

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

While Argentina’s boss Lionel Scaloni was not questioned about his side’s tactics during his news conference on Friday, he did speak about his friendship with De La Fuente, established in 2017 when De la Fuente instructed Scaloni during his professional coaching license training.

“He knows me on a personal level,” Scaloni remarked. “We are friends, but that doesn’t mean he knows what I am thinking concerning football. We haven’t really had discussions about playing style, but we do share similar patterns of play when it comes to maintaining possession of the ball. I hope Sunday’s game will be a fantastic display.”