PINRANG – The world of football never fails to capture global attention, especially as the FIFA World Cup approaches.

This four-yearly football extravaganza is also deeply felt by Andi Suyuti, the Head of the Tourism, Youth, and Sports Department (DISPASPOR) of Pinrang Regency, South Sulawesi.

When met by Tribun-Timur at his office on Jalan Bintang, Watang Sawitto District, Andi Suyuti openly shared about his favourite national teams.

He admitted that he doesn’t follow football too intensively, yet he always enjoys the excitement of the world’s biggest football celebration.

Andi Suyuti cherishes the lively atmosphere of the tournament, which he usually enjoys with his beloved family and close friends.

He openly confessed that he has long admired two giant football nations from Latin America.

The two teams he favours most are Argentina and Brazil.

According to him, Argentina has been his top pick because of world-class stars like Lionel Messi.

He also revealed his admiration for Brazil, which began during the golden era of football legend Pelé.

“Brazil has always had an extraordinary lineup of star players,” said Andi Suyuti on Thursday (June 4, 2026).

He vividly remembers the glory days of Brazil’s dream team that dominated the world stage.

“The most unforgettable moment was when Brazil’s dream team triumphed as world champions,” he recalled.

That golden squad included legendary names such as Kaka, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, and Roberto Carlos.

As for Argentina, Andi Suyuti has admired the team since the days of the legendary Diego Maradona.

His admiration continued into the era of Lionel Messi, who led the Tango squad with brilliance.

Besides Latin American teams, Andi Suyuti also has his favourite teams from Europe.

“In Europe, I also support England and Germany,” he said.

He became a fan of England during the star-studded era of David Beckham and Michael Owen.

According to him, the English national team has always shown strong teamwork and solid coordination on the field.

Meanwhile, his fondness for Germany began back when he was in high school.

At that time, he greatly admired West German football legend Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.

Andi Suyuti praised the mental toughness consistently displayed by German players.

“The great thing about Germany is that they never give up until the final whistle,” he said.

He believes the German squad always demonstrates a relentless fighting spirit from start to finish.

The Panzer team is also known for their ability to turn matches around even after falling behind.

Andi Suyuti shared his first experience watching a live broadcast of the FIFA World Cup.

That first moment came during the 1986 World Cup final.

He watched the thrilling clash between Argentina and Germany.

He recalled watching that historic match with his friends while he was still in high school.

“From that moment on, I started joining watch parties,” reminisced Andi Suyuti.

He also recalled one of the most dramatic moments he ever experienced as a World Cup viewer.

It was the final when France defeated Brazil.

The unforgettable match took place during the 1998 World Cup, hosted by France.

“That euphoric moment is something I’ll never forget,” he said.

At that time, he had just welcomed his first child into the world.

He watched the matches while spending time with his newborn, who also turned out to enjoy football.

To this day, Andi Suyuti admitted he has never bought a World Cup jersey for himself.

However, he often receives football souvenirs sent by close friends.

“I once received a scarf directly from a friend who lives in Java,” he revealed.

As for where he usually watches matches, Andi Suyuti said he often gathers at a coffee shop near his office called Vibes Coffee Shop.

He usually joins when invited by office colleagues or youth communities in Pinrang.

Report by Tribun-Timur.com journalist Moh Faizal Lupphy S.