Copa America 2019: Argentina vs Colombia - Combined XI

Defensive midfielder: Wilmar Barrios (Colombia/Zenit Saint Petersburg)

Messi and co. might have a hard time going past Barrios

Barrios always finds himself linked with a top shout of Europe but hasn’t really impressed enough to materialise any of the purported moves. Nevertheless, he remains an important member for the Los Cafeteros, as he covers a lot of ground and is also a relentless winner of the ball with a staggering average of almost 6 tackles per 90 minutes. He will be crucial in breaking up Argentina’s play.

Right midfielder: Giovani Lo Celso (Argentina/Real Betis)

Lo Celso will be raring to go after an impressive campaign with Real Betis

Lo Celso’s meteoric rise with the Verdiblancos last season convinced the Spanish outfit to sign him up from permanently from PSG. His 16 goals and six assists in all competitions also impressed Jorge Sampaoli enough, and he looks like a surefire starter for Argentina, especially after the devastating effect to which he combined with Lionel Messi in a recent friendly against Nicaragua.

Left midfielder: Angel di Maria (Argentina/PSG)

Di Maria has always delivered for Argentina

Whether it’s Real Madrid or PSG or even Argentina, the uber-smiling di Maria always had to contend with playing second fiddle to bigger stars plying their trade alongside him. However, that isn’t to suggest he’s been any half-shabby - he scored and assisted 12 times each for Les Parisians last season and also stepped up in the injury-enforced absence of Neymar and Cavani. Now it’s time for him to do the same for the Albiceleste.