Lionel Messi found himself at the centre of a World Cup storm on Monday as Argentine hero Diego Maradona and FIFA boss Sepp Blatter both registered their shock that he had been voted the outstanding player of the tournament. Messi seemed a little sheepish, perhaps embarrassed to be told after Argentina had lost Sunday’s final to Germany in extra-time that he would be expected to trudge up the steps at the Maracana Stadium to collect his Golden Ball trophy from the presentation balcony. Perhaps he was simply worn out, or perhaps he too felt there were more deserving candidates, such as any number of the triumphant German team, Holland’s dashing winger Arjen Robben or Colombia’s six-goal playmaker James Rodriguez, who won the Golden Boot for finishing as top scorer, and who got Maradona’s personal vote.
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Messi won the award for the World Cup's most outstanding player
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The decision was made via a vote by FIFA’s technical study group
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FIFA president Sepp Blatter said he was shocked when Messi was named
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Maradona believed the choice was motivated by marketing
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Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer won the golden gloves award
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Golden boot winner was Colombia's James Rodriguez
Dream is over: Messi looks to the ground after @placeholder win the World Cup at the Maracana