By Tobi Alli
Lionel Messi was given the Golden Ball award at the just concluded FIFA World Cup in Brazil, but this came as a rude shock to many.
Messi’s performance in the group stages was remarkable, as he put four goals past goalkeepers from Bosnia, Iran and Nigeria, but he failed to find the back of the net in knockout stage matches against Switzerland, Belgium, Holland and Germany.
Against Germany in the final, Messi threw a big opportunity away, and failed to impress.
Despite the fact that he performed below par, when the tournament ended, the Adidas Golden Ball was handed over to him, ahead of Colombia’s James Rodriguez, Holland’s Arjen Robben and Germany’s Manuel Neuer, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Thomas Muller.
Was Messi fortunate to receive the award? In my opinion, I think Messi, an Adidas ambassador, was given preferential treatment. The company however also has links with Rodriguez and they also manufactured team Germany’s kits.
In addition, for the first time the Golden Ball was decided by FIFA’s Technical Committee, rather than by a media vote.
Professional footballers expressed their shock over this, with the likes fellow Argentine and former team coach Diego Maradona saying they would have given it to James Rodriguez because he consistently played exciting, attacking football and held off opposing players.
While Messi had some magic moments, they didn’t seem good enough to earn him the award.
Below are the contenders that FIFA overlooked.
James Rodriguez (Colombia) – Although he played just five games at the tournament, the Monaco forward scored six goals and picked up the Golden Boot award.
Thomas Muller (Germany) – Another outstanding player during the tournament, he scored 5 goals and was a persistent threat to any opponents.
Arjen Robben (Holland) – Robben’s performance in the tournament can’t be overstated. His contribution to the Dutch team helped the team
finish third.
Manuel Neuer (Germany) – Fine definition of a sweeper-keeper with a string of top saves, Neuer manned the post like a polar bear.
