Messi wins Golden Ball

Argentina's forward and captain Lionel Messi reacts after defeat in extra-time in the final football match between Germany and Argentina for the FIFA World Cup at The Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on July 13, 2014. AFP
Argentina's forward and captain Lionel Messi reacts after defeat in extra-time in the final football match between Germany and Argentina for the FIFA World Cup at The Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on July 13, 2014. AFP

Argentina forward Lionel Messi was awarded the Golden Ball as the best player in the 2014 Brazil World Cup.

It was little consolation for the Barcelona striker who glumly accepted the trophy after Germany defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time at Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.

Messi finished the tournament with four goals and one assist in seven games.

Argentina's Lionel Messi walks down the steps after receiving the Golden Ball for being the best player at the end of the 2014 World Cup final between Germany and Argentina at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro on July 13, 2014. Reuters
Argentina's Lionel Messi walks down the steps after receiving the Golden Ball for being the best player at the end of the 2014 World Cup final between Germany and Argentina at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro on July 13, 2014. Reuters