Lionel Messi hakustahili tuzo ya mchezaji bora wa mashindano, na hakuifurahia

Lionel Messi ashinda tuzo ya mchezaji bora wa mashindano huku kipa bora akiwa ni Manuel Neuer  kiatu cha dhahabu 'Golden Ball'

Uamuzi wa kutoa tuzo ya mchezaji bora wa michuano ya kombe la dunia 2014 yaani Golden Ball kwa mshambuliaji wa kimataifa wa Argentina Lionel Messi imeonekana kuwashangaza watu wengi wa mpira duniani na kuwakwaza.

Messi alikuwa mzuri katika hatua ya makundi ambapo alifunga magoli manne katika michezo dhidi ya Bosnia, Iran na Nigeria lakini uzuri wake ulionekana kufifia kwa kadri michezo ilivyozidi kuingia katika hatua muhimu za matoano dhidi ya Switzerland, Belgium, Holland na Ujerumani.

Katika mchezo wa fainali ya usiku wa jana dhidi ya Ujerumani, Messi alipiga shuti moja ambalo lilikwenda nje ya goli na vinginevyo alikuwa akisumbuka kutafuta nafasi ya kupenya kupata bao.

Lionel Messi akipiga shuti hafifu 

Wachezaji watano walistahili tuzo aliyopewa Lionel Messi

James Rodriguez (Columbia) - Despite playing just five games at the tournament, the Monaco forward scored six times and picked up the Golden Boot award.
Thomas Muller (Germany) - Again a standout at a major tournament, he found the net on five occasions and was a constant threat for the eventual winners.
Javier Mascherano (Argentina) - Different class in the middle of midfield as he took each game, particularly in the knockout stages, by the scruff of the neck and roared the South Americans on. Completed the most tackles of anyone at the World Cup.
Manuel Neuer (Germany) - Hugo Lloris, beware. This man is the very definition of a sweeper-keeper. Barely put a foot wrong all tournament with a string of top saves and bossed his area like no other.
Arjen Robben (Holland) - Although there were simulation antics, Robben's poise in possession and potency in front of goal were deciding factors in Louis van Gaal's team finishing third.

Nonetheless, after the final whistle, he was presented with the adidas Golden Ball, ahead of other leading contenders such as Colombia's James Rodriguez, Holland's Arjen Robben and German trio Manuel Neuer, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Thomas Muller.

It has led the conspiracy theorists to suggest that Messi, an ambassador for Adidas, may have been granted preferential treatment, although it should be noted that the German firm also have links with Monaco star Rodriguez and they manufacture Germany kits.

Further speculation was triggered when it emerged that for the first time the Golden Ball was decided by FIFA's Technical Committee, rather than by a media vote. 

The general consensus, however, remains that Messi was a little fortunate to receive the award and that his name and reputation may have earned him the prize.

Former England captain Rio Ferdinand said on the BBC: 'I would have gone with James Rodriguez. He has played that exciting, attacking football and he has been trying to hurt the opposition. Messi has had some magic moments but you want them consistently.'

Speaking on his final appearance as a BBC pundit, Alan Hansen echoed Ferdinand's sentiments, stating: 'I didn't think Messi has done enough. Four or five of the Germans have played better over the tournament.'   

Dream is over: Lionel Messi looks to the ground after Germany win the World Cup at the Maracana

Moment of truth: Mario Gotze scores the winner for Germany in extra-time to claim the World Cup