As the reigning champions, Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, are widely tipped to reclaim the title at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Among those placing their bet on Argentina is Wibi Anhari, manager of Megawati Hangestri Pertiwi, who has expressed his confidence in both Argentina and Lionel Messi as favourites for the upcoming tournament.
The 2026 World Cup, to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is scheduled to kick off on June 12.
Argentina have been drawn into Group J alongside Austria, Algeria, and Jordan.
“If I have to pick the champion, it’s Argentina. For favourite player, it’s Lionel Messi,” Wibi Anhari told Tribunnews on Monday night (June 1, local time), when asked about his favourites for the 2026 World Cup.
Messi has yet to confirm whether he will feature in the tournament, though his name currently appears in Argentina’s 26-man squad list.
Speculation continues to swirl regarding his future in the world’s biggest football tournament, particularly concerning his ability to maintain top-level performance at the age of 38.
The legendary forward is expected to wear the captain’s armband once again and lead La Albiceleste in their quest to defend the World Cup title they won in Qatar in 2022.
For Argentina, the 2026 edition will not just be about retaining their world champion status.
For Messi, it represents another opportunity to add to his illustrious career and expand his record-breaking achievements.
Meanwhile, his teammates in the Argentina squad are determined to give Messi the perfect farewell — what many believe could be his final World Cup appearance in the national colours.
Wibi Anhari also shared his idea of a dream final for the 2026 World Cup. The man who once helped facilitate Rivan Nurmulki’s stint with Wolfdogs Nagoya in Japan’s volleyball league sees Brazil as the ideal opponent for Argentina in the tournament’s ultimate match.
According to Wibi, Brazil boast Neymar, who remains a key figure for the Selecao despite currently recovering from injury.
“Argentina vs Brazil would be the dream final — Argentina have Messi, Brazil have Neymar,” he added.
Neymar is presently undergoing rehabilitation from a calf injury. The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) star was absent during Brazil’s recent 6-2 friendly win over Panama on Monday morning local time.
Like Argentina, Brazil also possess a formidable attacking lineup.
The Samba team will rely on Raphinha and Vinicius Junior, both in excellent form in LaLiga. Meanwhile, Endrick, currently on loan at Lyon, has recorded 8 goals and 8 assists, making him another attacking weapon under Carlo Ancelotti’s guidance.
Brazil have been placed in Group C alongside Morocco, Scotland, and Haiti for the 2026 World Cup.
Football fans will be eager to see whether Wibi Anhari’s dream final — a clash between defending champions Argentina and five-time World Cup winners Brazil — will come true in 2026.
(Tribunnews.com/Giri)
