World Cup 2018: The best South American XI 

Forward: Edinson Cavani (Uruguay)

Cavani was the top scorer for Uruguay with 3 goals

Cavani took his time to get going, bagging his first goal in the World Cup in the final group game against Russia. But he burst to life in the last 16 game to Portugal, bagging a brace in Uruguay's 2-1 triumph. And even when he didn't score, Cavani was an immaculate presence in the attack, holding up the ball well and also linking superbly with Suarez.

No Uruguayan attempted more shots than his 16. His terrific ball control also saw him break into 7 dribbles, completing all 7 of them to boast a 100% success. He went off injured towards the end of the last 16 game, and his absence was sorely felt in the 2-0 loss to France as the Celeste looked toothless in the attack without him.

Forward: Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Messi fought a

lone

battle with Argentina

Messi's World Cup can be deemed an outright failure if goals are the sole barometer to judge him as he could strike just once in 4 games. But his contributions run deeper than just that.

In the must win game to Nigeria, he expertly controlled a lob from Banega before firing into the far post to set Argentina on their way. He once again drew a blank against France in the last 16, but he kept the fight in his team alive right until the end, assisting twice on the night.

He made 12 deliveries inside the area, the most by an Argentine and the threat he stemmed can be accentuated when considered that he was fouled 15 times, behind only Neymar, Isco and Hazard. Messi's 10 key passes were also the highest in the team.

Unfortunately, he wasn't helped enough by his teammates and his last real crack at World Cup glory ended in a disappointment.