Whether it’s the World Cup final or a mid-season regional qualifier, fireworks are pretty much guaranteed every time Brazil and Argentina lock horns. Matches between South America’s two great footballing powers are always feircely contested – but unlike England and Scotland, you might be treated to the odd bit of quality as well.
From Pele to Messi, from Maradona to Ronaldo – the list of players to have graced this fixture over the years reads like a who’s who of football legends. And that means picking a definitive combined XI is no easy task.
Gilmar
So let's start with the obvious: the guy who manned the sticks for Brazil's legendary 1960s side. Gilmar makes Joe Hart look like Massimo Taibi. Source: Bleacher Report
Carlos Alberto
New to football? Carlos Alberto is the dude who capped off that move against Italy in the 1970 World Cup Final. Source: Getty Images
Daniel Passarella
150 career goals is pretty impressive whichever way you spin it, but when you're a centre-back it's kind of ridiculous. Also: that beard though. Source: Twitter
Lucio
He's big, he's mean-looking, he won over 100 caps for Brazil, and he always sleeps with the light on. One of statements those is made up. Source: Wikipedia
Roberto Carlos
You know a player is a bit special when they are given set piece duties in a team that includes Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo and David Beckham. Source: Twitter
Diego Simeone
These days, El Cholo earns his crust by barking orders at his Atletico team from his technical area - but at his peak he was one of the world's best ball-winning midfielders. Source: Twitter
Ronaldinho
The tail-end of Ronnie's career was less known for great goals than it was for partying - but that just makes us love him more. Source: Pinterest
Diego Maradona
Could Maradona really put in a shift way back in central midfield? Let me ask you this: who gives a shit? Source: Pinterest
Lionel Messi
Messi sits at the top of our diamond - and we think he'll do well as long as we don't find ourselves playing on a cold rainy night at the Brittannia. Source: Twitter
Ronaldo
Some may call him Fat Ronaldo, but for many of us he'll always be 'El Fenomeno'. Sorry, Cristiano. Source: Twitter
Pele
Well, what did you expect? Pele is the probably game's greatest ever player (although, like Messi, never did the business at Stoke). Source: Pinterest
Have we missed anyone? Let us know your combined XI in the comments below.
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