Spain v Argentina: Where Stars Are Born

Spain and Argentina have produced some of the most memorable encounters in international football history. Over more than seven decades of rivalry, Spain have been represented by legendary figures such as Alfredo Di Stéfano, Luis Suárez, Emilio Butragueño, Raúl, Xavi, Andrés Iniesta, David Villa, Xabi Alonso and Iker Casillas, while Argentina have been led by icons including Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi.

The first meeting between the two nations took place on 7 December 1952 at Madrid's Chamartín Stadium, where Argentina claimed a 1-0 victory. Since then, the sides have faced each other 14 times, with the rivalry perfectly balanced: six wins apiece and two draws. Even the goals reflect that parity, with Spain scoring 19 and Argentina 18.

One of the defining moments in the rivalry came on 11 June 1961 at Seville's Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium, where Spain recorded their first-ever victory over Argentina. Alfredo Di Stéfano marked the occasion by scoring the second goal in a 2-0 triumph.

To date, Spain and Argentina have met only once at the FIFA World Cup. That encounter came on 13 July 1966 in Birmingham during the World Cup in England, where Argentina won 2-1 in the group stage thanks to a Luis Artime brace, despite Pirri finding the net for Spain.

Spain have also enjoyed several memorable victories over La Albiceleste. One came in 2006 at the inauguration of the Nueva Condomina Stadium in Murcia, where Luis Aragonés' side prevailed 2-1 through goals from Xavi and David Villa.

Three years later, Spain defeated Argentina by the same scoreline at Madrid's Vicente Calderón Stadium. The reigning European champions, coached by Vicente del Bosque, were beginning their preparations for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, while Argentina were managed by Diego Maradona. Xabi Alonso scored both goals in a victory that fuelled the belief that would culminate in World Cup glory months later in Johannesburg.

Spain's most emphatic victory over Argentina arrived on 27 March 2018 at the Metropolitano Stadium. La Roja produced a historic 6-1 win, with Isco scoring a hat-trick and Iago Aspas, Diego Costa and Thiago Alcântara also finding the net on an unforgettable night.

Now, the rivalry returns to its grandest stage.

On Sunday, Spain and Argentina will meet in the FIFA World Cup Final, one of the most eagerly anticipated matches in international football. New Jersey will provide the backdrop as two world champions compete for football's ultimate prize—and the opportunity to add another star to their history.