Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe lead the line with FIFTEEN goals, Dominik Livakovic takes the gloves after knocking out Brazil, while England's conqueror Antoine Griezmann stars in midfield... but who else features in our World Cup team of the tournament?
- Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Olivier Giroud line-up in an impressive attack
- Antoine Griezmann has excelled for Les Bleus in a largely unfamiliar position
- Six players who made Sunday's final have made the combined XI in total
- READ: Sportsmail compile a combined XI of their own for the World Cup final
- Click here for the latest World Cup 2022 news, fixtures, live action and results
With the 2022 World Cup coming to a close in stunning fashion on Sunday evening, many have begun to compile their best teams, with the golden boot, playmaker award and golden boot all having been decided.
With 832 players included in their nation's squads for the tournament, 11 excelled themselves more than any others, with Lionel Messi stealing the spotlight with his seven goals and three assists in the tournament.
But who else joins him in the best team from the tournament? Here Sportsmail's selects a team based on the players who most impressed in Qatar over the last 28 days.
![Lionel Messi has drawn widespread acclaim for his performances, scoring seven goals and assisting a further three](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/18/14/65680849-11551309-image-a-6_1671374180745.jpg)
Lionel Messi has drawn widespread acclaim for his performances, scoring seven goals and assisting a further three
![Antoine Griezmann gave more assists than any other French player](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/18/15/65705157-11551309-image-m-10_1671377053640.jpg)
![Kylian Mbappe was the World Cup top scorer in Qatar](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/18/15/65705159-11551309-image-a-11_1671377067954.jpg)
Antoine Griezmann (left) gave more assists than any other French player and Kylian Mbappe was the top scorer at the World Cup with 15 goals
Formation - (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper – Dominik Livakovic (Croatia)
It’s fair to say Croatia would not have got past Brazil in the quarter-finals had it not been for their goalkeeper. Livakovic made save after save in that game and was the penalty shoot-out hero.
He was unfortunate to give a penalty away against Argentina but it does not alter the fact he had a fantastic tournament.
![](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/19/16/65705155-11551309-image-a-2_1671468233545.jpg)
Croatia's penalty shoot-out hero against Brazil takes the gloves after a stunning competition
Right-back – Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)
The beating heart of the Morocco side that defied everybody’s expectations. Constantly dangerous in attack, determined and fierce in defence. His Panenka penalty to beat Spain in the last 16 shoot-out will live long in the memory.
![Achraf Hakimi's Panenka penalty to beat Spain will live long in the memory after the finals](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/18/16/65703451-11551309-image-a-25_1671382005123.jpg)
Achraf Hakimi's Panenka penalty to beat Spain will live long in the memory after the finals
Centre-back – Nicolas Otamendi (Argentina)
Few people would have expected his name to be in the team of the tournament before a ball was kicked but the former Manchester City man has been superb.
His performances have epitomised the heart and spirit of this Argentina team.
![Nicolas Otamendi's gutsy performances at the heart of defence epitomised his side's spirit](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/18/16/65706413-11551309-image-a-30_1671382445614.jpg)
Nicolas Otamendi's gutsy performances at the heart of defence epitomised his side's spirit
Centre-back – Josko Gvardiol (Croatia)
Played every minute of Croatia’s sensational run to the semi-finals and is now one of the most-wanted defenders in world football.
Despite being just 20 years old, Gvardiol performed like a veteran centre half. A bright future awaits.
![Third placed Josko Gvardiol partners Nicolas Otamendi in a very physically imposing defence](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/18/13/65703457-11551309-image-a-2_1671370904025.jpg)
Third placed Josko Gvardiol partners Nicolas Otamendi in a very physically imposing defence
Left-back – Theo Hernandez (France)
Came into the team in difficult circumstances after replacing his brother Lucas but has been phenomenal for Les Bleus.
Has had to cover for Mbappe, who rarely tracks back, but has still been able to roam forward to join the attack.
![French left-back Theo Hernandez scored against Morocco with just five minutes on the clock](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/18/16/65706617-11551309-image-a-28_1671382362553.jpg)
French left-back Theo Hernandez scored against Morocco with just five minutes on the clock
Midfield – Alexis Mac Allister (Argentina)
The supply line to Messi and the orchestrator of Argentina’s midfield.
Crazy to think that the man who has pulled the strings for Lionel Scaloni’s side could have been an on-looker had Giovani Lo Celso been fit. Took his chance and didn’t look back.
![Alexis Mac Allister could have missed out if Giovani Lo Celso had been fit for selection](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/18/16/65706547-11551309-image-a-26_1671382072095.jpg)
Alexis Mac Allister could have missed out if Giovani Lo Celso had been fit for selection
Midfield - Jude Bellingham (England)
England’s star of the tournament and one of the best midfielders on show.
From his pressing and passing on the pitch to his maturity off it, it’s hard to believe Bellingham is still a teenager. The best is yet to come.
![England's brightest star in Qatar was Jude Bellingham with the Borussia Dortmund man consistently impressive in midfield](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/18/13/65703517-11551309-image-a-3_1671370962384.jpg)
England's brightest star in Qatar was Jude Bellingham with the Borussia Dortmund man consistently impressive in midfield
Centre-attacking midfield - Antoine Griezmann (France)
The creative spark in the French team with some decisive moments, including the cross that set up the winning goal against England.
He was also prepared to work hard off the ball with France having less possession against England and Morocco. Joint top for assists with three in seven games.
![Griezmann played a starring role as Les Bleus knocked out rivals England at the quarter-finals](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/18/16/65706623-11551309-image-a-29_1671382413811.jpg)
Griezmann played a starring role as Les Bleus knocked out rivals England at the quarter-finals
Forward– Kylian Mbappe (France)
Lit up the tournament from the first minute and has been a joy to watch.
His blistering pace, power and clinical finishing makes him one of the best in the world – and he’s only 23. Frightening.
![France and PSG star Kylian Mbappe lit up the tournament from the sound of the first whistle](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/19/16/65700873-11551309-France_and_PSG_star_Kylian_Mbappe_has_lit_up_the_tournament_from-a-4_1671468234850.jpg)
France and PSG star Kylian Mbappe lit up the tournament from the sound of the first whistle
Forward – Olivier Giroud (France)
He may have been stuck on the bench had Karim Benzema been fit but with four goals in seven games, Giroud showed why he is still one of the best strikers in international football.
Became France’s all-time leading goalscorer against Poland to cement his place in history.
![Olivier Giroud broke Thierry Henry's goal scoring record for France during the tournament](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/19/16/65706581-11551309-Olivier_Giroud_broke_Thierry_Henry_s_goal_scoring_record_for_Fra-a-1_1671468233377.jpg)
Olivier Giroud broke Thierry Henry's goal scoring record for France during the tournament
Forward – Lionel Messi (Argentina)
His final World Cup and his best yet. There is no better sight than when Messi gets the ball at his feet and runs at defenders.
Gifted us magical moments in the knockouts that will be remembered forever. The greatest of all time.
![](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/19/16/65706073-11551309-image-a-3_1671468233565.jpg)
Lionel Messi saved his best World Cup performance for his last ever finals, gifting magical moments throughout the 2022 tournament
![](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/19/21/65750111-11551309-image-a-104_1671486117330.jpg)
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