Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé lead selections for team of the World Cup

Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé he selections for team of tournament as chosen by writers covering World Cup for Associated Press.

team was picked using 4-3-3 formation preferred by most nations at this World Cup.

Ten of 11 players reached semifinals, with in-demand England midfielder Jude Bellingham exception.

GOALKEEPER: Dominik Livakovic (Croatia)

Livakovic was Croatia's penalty-shootout savior against Japan in quarterfinals, when he saved three spot kicks, and Brazil in quarterfinals, when he denied Rodrygo. His performance against Brazil stood out as he thwarted tournament favorite time and again before Neymar's goal in extra time, and likely put him on rar of some big clubs in Europe. Livakovic currently plays for Croatian team Dinamo Zagreb. His only mistake was bringing down Julián Álvarez for a penalty converted by Lionel Messi in 3-0 loss to Argentina in semifinals.

RIGHT BACK: Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)

Hakimi might have established himself as best right back in world with his performances in Qatar, where he mixed solidity in defense with surging runs in Morocco's counterattacks to help with its attack. Despite carrying an injury throughout tournament, he transferred his club form with Paris Saint-Germain to World Cup and played every game, even helping to largely neutralize his club teammate and friend Kylian Mbappé in semifinals. ir embrace at end of match was a touching moment, while his “Panenka” penalty to win shootout against Spain in round of 16 was audacious.

LEFT BACK: o Hernandez (France)

Hernandez started World Cup as backup at left back to his older bror, Lucas, who sustained a tournament-ending ruptured ACL in his right knee just eight minutes into France's opening game against Australia. Naturally more attacking than his sibling, o has filled in impressively and linked up well down left with Kylian Mbappé, setting up a goal for France's superstar striker against Denmark and also for rien Rabiot against Australia. Hernandez also scored opening goal in 2-0 win over Morocco and produced solid defensive performances except for a tough night against England winger Bukayo Saka in quarterfinals.

CENTER BACK: Josko Gvardiol (Croatia)

Gvardiol might be best remembered at World Cup for being turned inside out by Lionel Messi for Argentina's third goal in semifinals. Orwise, he did little wrong, bolstering his reputation as one of most sought-after center backs in European game at just 20. Kwn as “Little Pep” because of similarities of his last name with that of Manchester City manr Pep Guardiola, Gvardiol — who wore a face mask at World Cup after breaking his se last month — marshalled a Croatia defense that conceded just three goals in five games before coming up against Messi and Co. He also scored in third-place playoff.

CENTER BACK: Nicolas Otamendi (Argentina)

Otamendi is one of two Argentina players — along with Lionel Messi — to play every minute on ro to final and one of three outfield players to start every game. leer of Argentina's rugged defense that has improved throughout tournament, Otamendi will make his 100th appearance for his country if he plays in final of what will probably be his last World Cup. A memorable sight was Otamendi collapsing on top of Argentina goalkeeper Emi Martinez after his last-minute save against Australia in round of 16.

MIDFIELDER: Sofyan Amrabat (Morocco)

Amrabat has been outstanding defensive midfielder in tournament, shield for a Moroccan defense that didn't concede a goal by an opposition player until semifinals. t only does he re game expertly — te his perfectly timed tackle on Kylian Mbappé in semifinals after chasing back alongside France striker — but he has sparked his teammates' lethal counterattacks with some timely and precision passing. Fiorentina will do well to hold onto 26-year-old Amrabat, whose specific skillset is always in demand.

MIDFIELDER: Jude Bellingham (England)

19-year-old Bellingham probably has his pick of any club in Europe after his standout performances in England’s run to quarterfinals. question w is when, rar than if, Borussia Dortmund sells midfielder, who can do pretty much anything and has an old he on young shoulders. He scored against Iran, was England's best player against Senegal in round of 16 and drove his team on in its second-half recovery against France in last eight.

MIDFIELDER: Antoine Griezmann (France)

Griezmann, who has been a forward throughout his career, has been reinvented as a midfield playmaker at this World Cup and has been a revelation, likely rivalling Messi and Mbappé as player of tournament. He created 11 chances during group st, more than any or player, n ran first half of quarterfinal match against England before being awarded player of match in win over Morocco in semifinals. t only has he demonstrated his creativity with short and long passes, he has also relished defensive part of game, which was needed against Morocco in particular.

STRIKER: Kylian Mbappé (France)

Mbappé has been France's most important forward for second straight World Cup, leing team to brink of back-to-back titles at of 23. He scored four goals in France's run to trophy in 2018 and has ded five in le-up to final four years later, with his two excellent finishes against Poland in round of 16 being highlights. On that trajectory, Miroslav Klose's record of 16 career World Cup goals will surely be threatened by Mbappé if he stays healthy.

STRIKER: Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Messi has been a man on a mission since arriving in Qatar, determined to mark likely his final World Cup with trophy to complete his resume. He has scored five goals, including in every round in kckout st up to final, and ded three assists. Messi has also provided some of most thrilling moments of individual quality, like his dribbles to set up goals for Nahuel Molina against Nerlands in quarterfinals and for Julián Álvarez against Croatia in semifinals. Messi has become Argentina's all-time top scorer at World Cup with 11 goals and will make his 26th World Cup appearance — a record — in final.

STRIKER: Julián Álvarez (Argentina)

Álvarez has come from where to become one of Argentina's most important players, having replaced Lautaro Martinez after his teammate's poor performances in opening two games. 22-year-old Manchester City striker has scored four goals in four starts and y have all been different — a curler into top corner against Poland, a poacher's finish after closing down goalkeeper against Australia, a run from halfway for his first goal against Croatia and n a close-range tap-in for his second.