Brazil take on Argentina in Saudi Arabia in a glamour friendly on Friday.
The Copa America champions look set ahead of the 2022 World Cup, while Lionel Messi‘s Albiceleste are rebuilding once again in search of a perfect combination to showcase the best player in the world.
Here, our writers break down the squads in search of the perfect combined XI; injured players or those overlooked in the current squads are ruled out, while form is taken into account.
So Mauro Icardi, Ederson and Neymar are unavailable.
Here are our writers’ combined line-ups and a composite XI below.
Ben Burrows: Alisson, Danilo, Silva, Marquinhos, Tagliafico, Fabinho, Lo Celso, Messi, Firmino, Jesus, Lautaro
Defence is dominated by Brazilians as there hasn't been a good Argentine one for a nigh-on a decade. They are represented in midfield, however, where Spurs' Gio Lo Celso squeezes in while the red hot Lautaro Martinez leads the line.
Tom Kershaw: Alisson, Danilo, Silva, Marquinhos, Sandro, Fabinho, Arthur, Coutinho, Dybala, Messi, Aguero
Argentina still arguably boast the best collection of attackers of any country on the planet, with Angel Di Maria and Mauro Icardi not making the squad, meaning even Firmino misses out in place for Sergio Aguero.
Their defence and midfield, though, lacks any strength in depth, with only Ajax's Nicolas Tagliafico able to feel aggrieved at not featuring.
Luke Brown: Alisson; Danilo, Thiago Silva, Marquinhos, Alex Sandro; Arthur, Fabinho, Lo Celso; Messi, Firmino, Lautaro
The defence picks itself. Marquinhos or Nicolás Otamendi isn’t a particularly difficult decision – although Nicolás Tagliafico is perhaps a little unlucky to lose out to Alex Sandro.
Sorry mate. Arthur and Giovani Lo Celso offer plenty of control in the middle of the pitch while Lautaro Martínez will score plenty running onto Roberto Firmino’s through balls. Lionel Messi meanwhile sneaks in ahead of Aston Villa’s Wesley. Rodrygo can be the super sub.
Jack Rathborn: Alisson; Danilo, Thiago Silva, Marquinho, Alex Sandro; Arthur, Fabinho; Messi, Firmino, Willian; Lautaro
This is a mythical team bursting with talent and perhaps the key to finding the balance is whether to include a third midfielder or a winger able to work both ways.
I’ve opted for Willian, given his incredible form for Chelsea right now, especially from the left, a role he’s craved for years but Eden Hazard’s presence has forced him to become one of the most versatile wide players in the game.
