Lionel Messi, Paolo Guerrero, Eduardo Vargas included in Copa America Best XI
Following a competition in which so many of South America's top footballers produced exceptional performances, selecting the top 11 players is no easy task.
Nonetheless, the Copa America Best XI was announced Sunday, and the 3-4-3 formation is comprised almost entirely of players from Chile, Argentina, and Peru.
(Courtesy: Copa America's website)
Between the posts is Claudio Bravo, who guided Chile to its first-ever Copa America title with four clean sheets and a diving save on Ever Banega in the final's penalty shootout.
The three-man backline features Nicolas Otamendi, Gary Medel, and Jeison Murillo, all of whom are centre-backs and all of whom were key figures in their respective national team's run.
In the midfield are Arturo Vidal, Javier Mascherano, Marcelo Diaz, and Christian Cueva. There can be little argument over the inclusion of any of the aforementioned four players, although the Chileans could just as easily have been replaced by teammates Jorge Valdivia and Charles Aranguiz.
Rounding off the Best XI are Lionel Messi, Paolo Guerrero, and Eduardo Vargas. The latter two finished as the Copa America's joint top scorers with four goals each.
And, of course, evil tactical genius Jorge Sampaoli was chosen as the Best XI's manager after outwitting all his counterparts in sublime fashion.