Brazil-Argentina: All-time combined XI

Brazil and Argentina are the two most successful South American sides in World Football
Brazil and Argentina are the two most successful South American sides in World Football

Right Winger-Garrincha (Brazil 1955-1966)

Garrincha is widely recognised as the greatest dribbler of all time
Garrincha is widely recognised as the greatest dribbler of all time

The iconic Garrincha is widely recognised as the greatest dribbler of all time in football and was the driving force behind Brazil's 1962 World Cup triumph with Pele out injured. Nicknamed the Alegria do Povo (People's Joy) and Anjo de Pernas Tortas (Bent-Legged Angel), Garrincha top-scored with 4 goals to lead the Selecao to their second World title, running rings around opposition defences.

Such was the ability of Pele and Garrincha, that the Selecao never lost a match that featured the iconic duo in the lineup. He was included in the World Cup All-Star Team's of both 1958 World Cup and 1962 editions and in 1994, was named in the FIFA World Cup All-Time Team.

Notable Mentions: Jorge Burruchaga (1983-1990), Jairzinho (Brazil 1964-1982)


Central Attacking Midfielder-Lionel Messi (Argentina 2005-Current)

Argentina v Venezuela: Quarterfinal - Copa America Brazil 2019
Argentina v Venezuela: Quarterfinal - Copa America Brazil 2019

The only contemporary player who makes this list, Lionel Messi along with Cristiano Ronaldo has been the best player in world football for the past decade, devastating opposition defences with their sensational gameplay.

A record 5 time Ballon d'Or winner and a two-time treble winner with Barcelona, Messi has however failed to win any major silverware with Argentina, despite hauling them almost single-handedly to three major finals, only to lose all three.

Messi will look to the Copa America this year as a chance for redemption and finally claim what seemed to be his birthright for so long-the claim of being Maradona's heir apparent.

Notable Mentions: Ronaldinho (1999-2013), Daniel Bertoni (1974-1982)



Left Forward-Mario Kempes (Argentina 1973-1982)

Kempes is credited with winning Argentina the 1978 FIFA World Cup
Kempes is credited with winning Argentina the 1978 FIFA World Cup

Mario 'El Matador' Kempes was the hero of the 1978 FIFA World Cup winning Argentina side, winning the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player as well as the Golden Boot as the championship's top scorer.

A two-time La Liga top scorer with Valencia, Kempes starred in 1978 final by scoring a sensational brace, propelling the Abliceleste to their first World Cup title with a 3-1 victory over the highly fancied Netherlands.

Notable Mentions: Rivaldo (Brazil 1993-2003), Claudio Caniggia (1987-2002)

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