Brazil-Argentina Combined XI ahead of the Copa Semifinal

Central Midfielder-Rodrigo de Paul (Argentina and Udinese)

Udinese midfielder Rodrigo de Paul seems to be the answer of who will take up the mantle left behind by Javier Mascherano as Argentina's midfield dynamo, making the role his own with impressive displays in the Copa America.

Coming into the side in the second group game after Argentina was overrun in midfield in the opening 2-0 defeat to Colombia, De Paul has brought stability and composure to the Albicelese midfield with his strong, physical displays and eye-catching passing.

Central Midfielder-Arthur Melo (Brazil and FC Barcelona)

Peru v Brazil: Group A - Copa America Brazil 2019

22-year-old Barcelona midfield metronome Arthur has made the deep-lying playmaking role his own for the Selecao, expertly pulling strings in the heart of the Brazilian midfield while ensuring fast turnovers with his constant pressing and great engine.

With Brazil lacking the attacking flair that it was known for in the past, it is midfield steel in the form of Arthur and Real Madrid's Casemiro that has seen them dominate the opposition in the Copa America.

Attacking Midfielder-Lionel Messi (Argentina and FC Barcelona)

Argentina v Venezuela: Quarterfinal - Copa America Brazil 2019

Lionel Messi has been very effective without scoring or assisting in this Copa America, intelligently drawing away opposition defenders to create spaces for fellow forwards Lautaro Martinez and Sergio Aguero.

The Barcelona and Albiceleste captain was ice cool when it mattered most, dispatching a penalty that earned Argentina a draw in their second group game against Paraguay, also finishing as the man-of-the-match for that encounter.