Aguero fires back at Laporte after Spain star accuses Argentina of leaving a mark

A heated war of words has erupted on the eve of the World Cup final, with Spain defender Aymeric Laporte accusing Argentina of using intimidation tactics – and former Manchester City teammate Sergio Agüero delivering a withering personal riposte.

Laporte, speaking to Spanish newspaper Marca, claimed Argentina have been allowed to get away with overly physical play throughout the tournament.

“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,” Laporte said.

The 32-year-old centre-back warned that Sunday’s final could descend into chaos if Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić does not clamp down early.

“It’s the referee’s job to keep a handle on these things so the situation doesn’t get out of hand. If one or two players are allowed to act that way, the match descends into chaos,” he said.

Laporte pointed to Argentina’s physical approach in their semi-final victory over England, where Enzo Fernandez’s forceful challenge on Elliot Anderson went unpunished just three minutes into the game. Egypt’s manager had also previously accused officials of favouring Argentina following their last-16 defeat.

Laporte insisted Spain would not be drawn into provocations. “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,” he said.

Agüero’s Explosive Response

The comments did not sit well with Argentina legend Sergio Agüero, who played alongside Laporte at Manchester City for three-and-a-half seasons.

“What are you doing, Aymeric? Remember, we played together at Manchester City,” Agüero fired back.

“You say we’ve seen things that surprised us in recent matches – what exactly surprised you? Listen, don’t pretend to be tough and provocative, because whenever we meet face to face, you back down and get scared!”

The exchange adds a deeply personal layer to an already high-stakes final, with two former teammates now standing on opposite sides of football’s greatest prize.

Spain’s Measured Response

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente struck a more diplomatic tone when asked about Argentina’s tactics. “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,” he said.

Captain Rodri added: “We will see how the game plays out. I like to think they 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”.

Final Showdown

Sunday’s final at MetLife Stadium kicks off at 3pm ET, with Spain seeking their first world title since 2010 and Argentina aiming to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the trophy.

For Laporte and Agüero, the battle lines are drawn – and the former teammates will be watching from very different perspectives.