Home to two of the greatest players in football history, Argentina and Portugal have carved out unique reputations for themselves in the world’s footballing landscape. The two giants enter the FIFA World Cup with impressive squads and a good run of form and will be intent on giving their legends a fitting farewell.
Argentina have grown in stature under Lionel Scaloni and are one of the favourites going into the 2022 FIFA World Cup. With Lionel Messi leading the line alongside Lautaro Martinez and a robust midfield behind them, the reigning Copa America champions are well-placed for an impressive run in the competition.
Portugal also have a star-studded squad going into the World Cup and have an array of prodigious creative midfielders to service their talismanic forward. Cristiano Ronaldo has not had the best of seasons with his club and will view the World Cup as the ideal opportunity to silence his critics.
Argentina vs Portugal Head-to-Head Record
| Wins | Draws | Losses | |
| Argentina | 5 | 2 | 1 |
| Portugal | 1 | 2 | 5 |
Argentina have an excellent record against Portugal and have won five out of the eight matches that have been played between the two teams. Portugal have managed only one victory against Argentina and will look to cut the deficit in their next match against the South Americans.
The previous meeting between the two teams took place in 2014 and ended in a narrow 1-0 victory for Portugal. The two teams have never locked horns at the FIFA World Cup and could potentially play their first game on the big stage this year.
Argentina vs Portugal Head-to-Head Statistics
After going on a winless streak in their first five matches against Argentina, Portugal have won two of their last three matches against the Albicelestes. The previous meeting between the two teams saw Portugal keep the only clean sheet between the two teams in their last three matches.
Lionel Messi has third on the list of the most prolific goalscorers on the international stage and has scored 92 goals in 167 appearances for his country. The Argentine captain has scored only one goal in two games against Portugal and will look to add to his tally in the coming months.
Argentina have played against Portugal on only two occasions since the turn of the century, with their two previous meetings coming in 2011 and 2014. Before 2011, the two teams played their previous game in 1972.
Cristiano Ronaldo is the best goalscorer in history on the international stage and has scored 118 goals in 192 matches for his country.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the last time Argentina faced Portugal in a World Cup match?
Argentina have never played against Portugal in a World Cup match.
How many World Cups have Argentina qualified for?
Argentina have qualified for a total of 18 editions of the FIFA World Cup and have qualified for every edition of the tournament since 1974.
Have Argentina ever failed to qualify for the World Cup?
Argentina have failed to qualify for the World Cup on four occasions, and did not make the cut in 1938, 1950, 1954, and 1970.
