'So it's worth remembering that Messi was statistically superb at this World Cup. An Adidas award is one thing but the WhoScored rankings which he topped are no popularity contest; they merely reflect the fact that this is a player who does more of the difficult stuff than anyone else.
Messi created more chances than anybody at the 2014 World Cup, and only Andrea Pirlo played as many through-balls. He also produced more - a lot more - completed dribbles than any other player, with his tally of 46 taking him well clear of Robben's 29.
In fact, Messi's dribbling success bears closer comparison to Diego Maradona's total of 50 in his annus mirabilis of 1986.'
http://www.teamtalk.com/worldcup/new...World-Cup-flop
I don't necessarily think he deserved to win the Golden Ball, but the backlash against him has been incredible. If you couple the above with the fact his goals got Argentina through the group stage and his assist got them through the knockout stages, then he's as good a shout as anyone.
Messi created more chances than anybody at the 2014 World Cup, and only Andrea Pirlo played as many through-balls. He also produced more - a lot more - completed dribbles than any other player, with his tally of 46 taking him well clear of Robben's 29.
In fact, Messi's dribbling success bears closer comparison to Diego Maradona's total of 50 in his annus mirabilis of 1986.'
http://www.teamtalk.com/worldcup/new...World-Cup-flop
I don't necessarily think he deserved to win the Golden Ball, but the backlash against him has been incredible. If you couple the above with the fact his goals got Argentina through the group stage and his assist got them through the knockout stages, then he's as good a shout as anyone.
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