Laporte Blasts Argentina: "It Felt Like They Were Allowed to Do More"
Aymeric Laporte reflected on the intense World Cup final between Spain and Argentina and criticized both La Albiceleste's style of play and the refereeing.
More than two months after Spain won the World Cup by defeating Argentina 1-0 in the final, Aymeric Laporte once again reflected on one of the tournament's most intense matches and delivered strong comments about La Albiceleste's behavior.
In an interview with Mario Suárez for "El Camino de Mario," the Athletic Bilbao defender said that during the match, he felt the Argentine players were allowed to get away with actions that would not have been tolerated in the same way from other teams.
"It felt like they were allowed to do more," Laporte said, even describing some of the situations that unfolded during the match as "anti-football."
The Spanish center-back explained that he was particularly bothered by the pushing and confrontations that occurred throughout the final. From his perspective, some of those actions would have resulted in disciplinary sanctions had they been committed by another national team.
His Heated Clash With Nicolás Otamendi
The tension of the match was reflected in several confrontations between players from both national teams. One of them involved Laporte and Nicolás Otamendi, who exchanged words on the field.
The two defenders knew each other well after playing together at Manchester City, but that did not prevent them from clashing in a match with the world title at stake.
However, Laporte separated what happened on the field from his personal relationship with the Argentine. The Spaniard said he understands that Otamendi was defending Argentina's interests and emphasized that away from the field, he considers his former teammate to be an excellent person.
A Final Laporte Still Remembers
Beyond the controversy, Laporte also recalled the emotion he felt when the match ended and Spain secured its second World Cup title. The defender mentioned his late father as one of the people who had the greatest influence on his career and also spoke about his mother, wife and children, who were present for the historic triumph.
The 32-year-old also discussed his future with Spain and admitted that he does not see himself playing at the 2030 World Cup.
For now, the final continues to generate stories months after it was played. For Laporte, the trophy ultimately went to Spain, but the intensity and confrontations against Argentina remain a difficult part of that night to forget.
Key Takeaways
- Aymeric Laporte criticized the intensity shown by Argentina during the final.
- The defender said "it felt like they were allowed to do more" than other teams.
- Laporte described some situations during the match as "anti-football."
- The Spaniard recalled his confrontation with Nicolás Otamendi, his former Manchester City teammate.
- Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 to win its second World Cup title.
