Sergio Batista, Mexico '86 hero, on Argentina's World Cup chances: 'Everyone wants to beat the world champion'

Sergio Batista, a World Cup winner with Argentina in 1986 and former national team coach, believes the current squad possesses the mental fortitude to win another World Cup. "It is a team that does not fall, does not relax. It is in condition to be world champion again. Mentally it is very well," Batista stated in a streaming emission for LA NACION. He acknowledged that injuries could be a concern, describing it as "the only problem, that they all have, is a matter of injuries."

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It is a team that does not fall, does not relax. It is in condition to be world champion again. Mentally it is very well. The only problem, that they all have, is a matter of injuries.

Batista, who also coached the team to Olympic gold in 2008, cautioned that Argentina, as the defending champions, will face intense pressure and motivation from opponents. "Now you have to be very careful, because everyone wants to beat not only Argentina: they want to beat the world champion," he explained. He specifically pointed to African and Asian teams, noting their improved quality and the fact that their players often compete in top European leagues. "Today, for that reason, teams from Africa, from Asia, have greater possibilities, with very good players. They try twice as hard. They are dangerous, all their players play in Europe. You cannot minimize them," Batista advised.

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Now you have to be very careful, because everyone wants to beat not only Argentina: they want to beat the world champion.

The conversation also touched upon the 1986 final and the evolving mentality in international football. Batista contrasted the current Argentine approach with that of teams like Belgium in the 1986 semifinals, suggesting a more determined and ambitious mindset in South American football. He also mentioned the upcoming World Cup coverage by LA NACION and @canchallena, featuring a streaming program hosted by Ignacio Fusco and Milagros Bulos.

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Today, for that reason, teams from Africa, from Asia, have greater possibilities, with very good players. They try twice as hard. They are dangerous, all their players play in Europe. You cannot minimize them.