Spain vs. Argentina history: Head-to-head matches at World Cup, last meeting, team records and more

Spain vs. Argentina history centers on a rare, high-stakes FIFA World Cup meeting that culminates in Sunday’s final in New York/New Jersey. Spain seek a second World Cup title after winning in South Africa in 2010, while Argentina aim to retain the trophy they lifted in Qatar four years ago. The two teams have faced each other just once previously at the World Cup, in 1966 when Argentina beat Spain 2-1 at Villa Park in Birmingham after Luis Artime scored twice before José Pirri reduced the deficit. Spain’s only other World Cup encounter so far ended in group elimination. Their most recent meeting came in the pre-2010 era, when Xabi Alonso scored twice for Spain in a 2-1 match in Madrid; Messi replied from the penalty spot. The following year, Spain won the 2010 tournament.