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TRIBUNPONTIANAK.CO.ID - The Chairman of the Sanggau Regency Regional House of Representatives, Hendrikus Hengki, predicts that Argentina’s national football team will lift the trophy at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

He bases his prediction on Argentina’s strong team chemistry and the leadership of their on-field general, who he believes still possesses power, skill, and an exceptional vision for the game.

“I have two favourite teams — first, Argentina, and second, Italy. But since Italy didn’t qualify, I’m betting on Argentina to become the champions of the 2026 World Cup,” he said on Friday, June 5, 2026.

The Secretary of the Sanggau branch of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) added that since this World Cup is being held in the Americas, Argentina has a slight advantage, as the climate there is quite similar to that of Latin America.

“However, that isn’t necessarily a decisive factor. What’s clear is that Argentina has an incredible core squad. With Lionel Messi still serving as the backbone of the team — even though his physical fitness has declined — his tactical intelligence, vision, fighting spirit, mentality, and ability to organise Argentina’s play are still very much needed. Messi remains the field general for the Argentine side,” he explained.

He also highlighted the presence of Lautaro Martinez, who continues to demonstrate sharp finishing as a young forward competing in European football.

“This shows Argentina’s consistency in both competitive and friendly matches. The ranking points they’ve earned have kept them at the top of the FIFA standings in 2026,” he concluded.

• Argentina National Team Schedule in Group J of the 2026 World Cup! Sanggau Sports Committee Chair Predicts Another Argentina Victory

The success of Argentina’s national team in the 2022 World Cup cannot be separated from the influence of their coach, Lionel Scaloni.

Below is the profile and biography of Lionel Scaloni:

Biography of Lionel Scaloni

Full Name: Lionel Sebastián Scaloni

Date of Birth: May 16, 1978 (48 years old as of June 2026)

Place of Birth: Pujato, Santa Fe, Argentina

Playing Position: Right-back / winger

Playing Career of Lionel Scaloni

- Newell’s Old Boys (1995–1996)

- Estudiantes (1996–1997)

- Deportivo La Coruña (1997–2006) → part of the La Liga 1999/2000 title-winning squad

- Lazio, Mallorca, Racing Santander, Atalanta (2006–2015)

- Argentina National Team (2003–2006), appeared in the 2006 World Cup

Coaching Career of Lionel Scaloni

- 2016–2017: Assistant coach at Sevilla (alongside Jorge Sampaoli)

- 2017–2018: Assistant coach of the Argentina National Team

- 2018: Appointed interim coach of Argentina following the Russia World Cup

- 2019–present: Head coach of the Argentina National Team

Achievements of Lionel Scaloni

- Copa América 2021 Champion (ending a 28-year title drought)

- 2022 Finalissima Champion vs Italy

- 2022 FIFA World Cup Champion in Qatar

- 2024 Copa América Champion

- Qualified Argentina for the 2026 World Cup as defending champions

• Excitement Builds for the 2026 World Cup, Sanggau Sports Committee Chair Again Backs Argentina to Win

Argentina National Team Group J Schedule for the 2026 World Cup

Argentina vs Algeria = June 17, 2026, at 08:00 WIB

Argentina vs Austria = June 23, 2026, at 00:00 WIB

Argentina vs Jordan = June 28, 2026, at 09:00 WIB

Official Argentina Squad for the 2026 World Cup

Coach: Lionel Scaloni

Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martínez, Gerónimo Rulli, Juan Musso

Defenders: Nicolás Otamendi, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Nahuel Molina, Marcos Acuña, Nicolas Tagliafico, German Pezzella

Midfielders: Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Giovani Lo Celso, Exequiel Palacios

Forwards: Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Julián Álvarez, Paulo Dybala, Angel Di Maria, Alejandro Garnacho

Complete 2026 World Cup Schedule

2026 World Cup Results

2026 World Cup Standings