Argentine Messi missing from top 11 in group play

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia — Imagine having a team featuring Cristiano Ronaldo supporting Harry Kane up front, Philippe Coutinho pulling the strings alongside Isco in midfield, and Diego Godin the rock at the back.

That’s the backbone of the best 11 players of the group stage of the World Cup, as selected by Associated Press staff covering the tournament in Russia.

Despite his superb goal against Nigeria in a must-win match, there was no place for five-time world player of the year Lionel Messi given Argentina’s struggles, but plenty of soccer’s other high-profile names have delivered on their reputations on the biggest stage.

Goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand, Iran:

He’s gone from being homeless and working in a car wash to keeping a clean sheet against Morocco, repeatedly thwarting Spain until an unlucky goal, and saving a penalty from Ronaldo as Iran nearly sent Portugal home.

Defense Kieran Trippier, England:

A surprise choice as England’s set-piece taker, the right back gets the nod over line-mate John Stones for setting up more chances than any other player in the first round.

A solid and dependable left back who played a key role in keeping Messi quiet in the tremor-inducing 3-0 win over Argentina and was impressive at both ends of the field in Croatia’s opening win over Nigeria..

Theindomitable leader of the only defense at the World Cup to keep three clean sheets. It reaffirms his status as one of the best center backs in the world.

He scored two penalties and captained a defense that kept two clean sheets and put on a sterling effort against Germany.

Ivan Strinic, Croatia: Diego Godin, Uruguay: Andreas Granqvist, Sweden: Midfield Luka Modric, Croatia:

He was instrumental in the win over Argentina, scoring one of the goals of the tournament in the process with a long-range strike. Also scored a penalty in his team’s opening game.

Finally putting in consistent performances at the international level from his position as the most attacking of Brazil’s three central midfielders. Even stole the limelight from teammate Neymar by scoring from long range against Switzerland, then the pivotal first goal in the win over Costa Rica.

He’s Spain’s most influential and watchable midfielder , which is a feat in itself considering its embarrassment of riches in that area.

Philippe Coutinho, Brazil: Francisco “Isco” Alarcon, Spain: Forwards Harry Kane, England:

The tournament’s top scorer with five goals , adding an accidental hat trick against Panama to two predatory strikes from close range against Tunisia.

Is he the GOAT? Well, four goals in his first two games, including a hat trick against Spain, have certainly boosted his credentials in that debate..

He’s delivering the goods at an international tournament for the first time, with his four goals — two against Panama and two against Tunisia — coming from a variety of finishes in just two matches.

Like Kane, he’ll need to repeat these exploits against tougher opposition.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal: Romelu Lukaku, Belgium: