2014 FIFA World Cup: Who really deserved the Golden Ball?

Who Really Deserved the Golden Ball? 

July 14, 2014

By Scott Tilley

Spectators after the final whistle of the World Cup final match between Germany and Argentina saw the German's celebrating a fantastic victory but they also saw Lionel Messi leave Brazil with the Golden Ball, the award for the most-outstanding player in the tournament. I can't possibly be the only one surprised by this, can I? Messi, though scoring four times in Group F, saw every chance that he took in the knockout rounds go off-target. Arguably, the Argentinians would not have made the final without Messi (I agree) but questions have to be asked about the Golden Ball being awarded to the Argentine forward. Some may even say that the award was a poor consolation attempt to the superstar after the loss in the final. Surely, there are others who could have walked away with the award instead of Messi:

-James Rodriguez- 

The breakout star of the World Cup, the Colombian number 10 could certainly have won the Golden Ball at the end of the tournament to compliment the Golden Boot that he won for being the top-scorer in the competition (6 goals). Rodriguez was by far the most impressive player in the World Cup. 

-Javier Mascherano-

The former Argentine captain could have snagged the award from his teammate with impressive performances at his converted holding midfield position. His team only trailed for 7 minutes in the entire tournament, and those 7 minutes happened to be the last 7 minutes of the final. Javier Mascherano is the one that the Argentinians can thank for that.

-Neymar-

The Brazilian forward saw his World Cup cut short due to a fractured vertebrae in his back, but that does not mean that he didn't deserve the Golden Ball just as much as Messi. Neymar also netted four goals in the tournament and helped lead the host nation to the semifinals. 

-Thomas Muller-

When the final whistle blew at the Maracana to signal the German victory in the final match, I for sure thought that I would see Golden Ball honors go to the German number 13, Thomas Muller. Scoring a hat trick in the opening match versus Portugal was not the only impressive performance from the Bayern Munchen man. Muller scored a blinder of a goal against the United States to clinch the group for the Germans to force a match up with Algeria. Muller also was featured up top and in the midfield for Jogi Loew's side, showing his versatility. I think hands down, Thomas Muller deserved the Golden Ball at the end of the tournament.