Sepp Blatter Surprised; Maradona Disappointed Messi Won Gold Ball - I Disagree

FIFA President Sepp Blatter said he was surprised Argentina’s Lionel Messi was given the World Cup Golden Ball award.

Messi was awarded the Golden Ball, signifying he was the Best Player of the 2014 World Cup after Argentina lost 1-0 to Germany in Sunday’s final in Rio de Janeiro.

Blatter said: "I was a little bit surprised when I saw Messi coming up to collect the best player of the competition."

Argentina legend Diego Maradona on his part called the decision "unfair".

The 53-year-old, who was named the best player when Argentina won the World Cup in 1986, said "marketing people" had chosen the wrong man.

Speaking on his television programme, De Zurda, Maradona said Colombia playmaker James Rodriguez should have received the award.

Blatter believes Messi was given the award on the strength of his four goals during the group stage.

"If you compare the beginning of the tournament and why the Argentina team got into the final, they were decisive," he said.

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I believe Messi deserved the award. The best player is the player that inspires his team the most and carries them further in the tournament. James Rodriguez was good but his team did not make the last four, Robben was even a better candidate than James, but his team did not reach the last two. Messi on the other hand inspired his team with four goals, several assists and then help them get to the finals.

Goals cannot be used as the criteria for selecting the best player of a World Cup tournament. When Italy won the world Cup in 2006, it was their defender Fabio Cannavaro that won the FIFA World Player of the year award. How many goals did he score that year?

PS: I am not a Barcelona fan and I really don't like Messi either. He is a major torn in Chelsea's flesh. So you know whose Fan I am now.