The final of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will see two football powerhouses fight it out with each other for the biggest trophy in sport in Argentina vs Spain, at MetLife Stadium on Sunday.
Fans are looking forward to a tactical game of Messi's Argentina versus Spain's young generation. Pre-match discussions have also been centered around Argentina's aggressive style of play and refereeing.
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Spanish player Aymeric Laporte has now said something on the subject, before the much-awaited final game. Argentina's style of play has been under scrutiny many times in the tournament as well.
Against England in the semi-final, players like Leandro Paredes and Cristian Romero repeatedly broke up play with strong challenges, frustrating Thomas Tuchel's side.
Laporte’s Take On Argentina Team
Speaking before the final, Laporte stressed that Spain must remain composed while hoping the referee keeps the game under control.
"In the last few matches, we've seen things that have really surprised us, incidents that have been ignored. Especially with Argentina, who are a team that leaves a lot of little messages with their challenges.
"That shouldn't be allowed in competitions like this, because it can throw you off your game and make you lose your temper. It's part of the referee's job to keep these situations under control so that he doesn't get walked all over.
The Spaniard added, "From the start of the tournament, we've been a pretty fair team in that respect. We're not the kind of team that goes around kicking opponents or committing reckless fouls. And I think that's how we need to approach this match as well. But a lot will indeed depend on the refereeing."
Spain Confident Ahead Of Final
Spain's approach to the World Cup revolves around creating a good defense and possession-based football modules.
The country's coach, Luis de la Fuente, has relied on the remarkable and experienced player Laporte, who appears to be the leader of the defensive structures of Spain, as well as on the young player Pau Cubarsí, who has become one of the discoveries of the event.
Together, both of them will need to deal with the famous Lionel Messi and the powerful Argentine team once more. Spain's hopes lie on the ability of Laporte to show his experience and the ability of Cubarsí to ignore the tough and strong playing style of the Argentine players while trying to lift their second FIFA World Cup trophy.