Spain defender Aymeric Laporte has accused Argentina of using overly physical tactics, claiming the reigning world champions "like to leave a mark on their opponents" ahead of tonight's FIFA World Cup final.

Messi, playing in what is expected to be his final World Cup, remains Argentina's biggest threat as they seek to defend their title against a Spain side chasing a first global crown since 2010.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said Friday he was happy to welcome teenage star Lamine Yamal back after the Barcelona forward returned to the Spain squad for World Cup qualifiers with Georgia and Turkey.

At the same venue in which France manager Didier Deschamps hit back at the critics of his side's style, saying that those who think his side are "boring" should "go watch something else", De la Fuente said he admired his rivals' game.

De la Fuente must cut three players before June 7 for the tournament that kicks off in Germany on June 14.

New Spain coach Luis de la Fuente's project suffered an early setback in a chastening defeat by Scotland in Glasgow on Tuesday in Euro 2024 qualifying.