Metering can be done with both modes. But it's all up to you to determine which you prefer to match what you are seeing...
A matrix mode may be fooled into under-exposing the shot or even over-exposing the shot. So you have to correct it by dialing in a EV compensation.
For spot-metering, you have to understand the picture composition and know where to meter for the shot, so that it can give you the effect which you are after.