Argentina vs Brazil: Check out LiveScore’s combined XI

Matthew Hill
LiveScore
Lionel Messi makes our combined XI but who has joined him?
Lionel Messi makes our combined XI but who has joined him?

Bitter rivals Argentina and Brazil clash this evening in the latest edition of the Superclasico de las Americas.

One of the most fiercely competitive contests in the world, superstars galore will be on show in San Juan with both World Cup qualifying points and pride on the line.

But which players would make it into a combined XI? We have put our preferred side together — read on to see who made the cut.

Goalkeeper: Ederson (Brazil)

Arguably the toughest choice of the lot, Manchester City stopper Ederson narrowly edges out compatriot Alisson and opposite number Emiliano Martinez in the race to be our No1.

The trio are among the finest in the world in their position and all star for their respective Premier League sides.

But it is the phenomenal distribution of the 28-year-old Ederson that just sees him come out on top. 

Right-back: Danilo (Brazil)

A straightforward choice at right-back, where the experience of Juventus star Danilo makes him first choice over his Argentinian counterpart Nahuel Molina.

Though Udinese youngster Molina looks destined for big things down the line, 30-year-old Danilo boasts a wealth of experience in top-level European football and has started 19 of his nation’s last 21 fixtures.

Centre-back: Marquinhos (Brazil)

Paris Saint-Germain star Marquinhos is a key man at the back for Brazil
Paris Saint-Germain star Marquinhos is a key man at the back for Brazil

As Thiago Silva’s glittering international career enters its twilight years, Brazil are on the hunt for a fresh leader — and his former Paris Saint-Germain team-mate Marquinhos looks to be the prime candidate.

Having taken the armband for his nation twice already this year, it is clear the Selecao view the 27-year-old Les Parisiens skipper as a vital part of their core for years to come. 

Centre-back: Cristian Romero (Argentina)

Although his international career is still in its infancy, Tottenham defender Cristian Romero has already emerged as a key man in Argentina’s backline and looks destined for a superb career.

The 23-year-old centre-back has helped La Albiceleste to clean sheets in his last seven appearances and was voted Serie A’s best defender in 2020-21 before leaving Atalanta for Spurs.

Left-back: Alex Sandro (Brazil)

While Sevilla left-back Marcos Acuna has done a steady job for Argentina recently, Brazil’s Alex Sandro is preferred over his fellow 30-year-old due to his stronger club pedigree.

A team-mate of Danilo at Juventus, Sandro has helped the Italian giants to five Serie A titles and is proving an extremely reliable performer in his nation's qualifying campaign for Qatar 2022. 

Defensive midfield: Casemiro (Brazil)

Regularly keeping Liverpool star Fabinho out of Brazil's starting XI, Real Madrid enforcer Casemiro is one of the finest holding midfielders on the planet and gives our backline an extra layer of protection.

With his combative, no-nonsense approach, the 29-year-old star has become a leading figure for the Selecao in recent years and his presence on the field is a huge boost to any side’s prospects of a clean sheet.

Centre midfield: Giovani Lo Celso (Argentina)

Tottenham midfielder Giovani Lo Celso seems to find his best form in an Argentina shirt
Tottenham midfielder Giovani Lo Celso seems to find his best form in an Argentina shirt

Used in a variety of roles by La Albiceleste, Giovani Lo Celso joins Tottenham team-mate Romero in our combined XI to bring a combination of energy and flair to the middle of the park.

Though inconsistent, the 25-year-old midfielder's two-assist display against Uruguay earlier this year showcased his immense talent.

And Spurs fans will hope new boss Antonio Conte can eke similar performances out of him on a regular basis in North London.

Centre midfield: Rodrigo De Paul (Argentina)

Signed by Atletico Madrid for £30million during the summer, Argentinian star Rodrigo De Paul has made himself at home at the reigning LaLiga champions and also impressed for his country.

An all-action presence in the centre of the park, 27-year-old De Paul’s combination of craft and graft makes him an excellent addition to any midfield and his best years are still to come. 

Right wing: Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Despite having a tough start to life in Paris, Lionel Messi remains the easiest selection of this combined XI with the great man sure to thrive in this ultra-talented line-up.

A record six-time Ballon d’Or winner, Messi finally achieved a lifelong ambition in winning the Copa America with Argentina in the summer.

And the PSG star would dearly love to add a World Cup to his collection in 2022.

Centre forward: Lautaro Martinez (Argentina)

Though both sides can call on a wealth of attacking talent, it is Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez who leads the line in our combined XI.

Netting 17 times in Serie A to help Inter Milan to an overdue Scudetto last term, 24-year-old Martinez also has 17 goals in just 33 appearances for his country. 

Left wing: Neymar (Brazil)

Neymar may be unavailable for selection this evening but the brilliant Brazilian walks into this side as one of world football’s most reliable performers on the international stage.

The PSG star, 29, has struck 70 goals for the Selecao and sits only seven short of Pele’s all-time record — a tally he seems certain to pass.

Let us know what you think of our combined XI on social media
Let us know what you think of our combined XI on social media

Be sure to let us know what you think of our XI and who would make your team by tweeting @LiveScore.

Tags

ArgentinaBrazilWorld CupLionel MessiDaniloEderson MoraesMarquinhosCristian RomeroAlex SandroCasemiroGiovani Lo CelsoRodrigo De PaulLautaro MartinezNeymar