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mata puduma dukai.. 
... paw messi .. Argentina honda fight ekak dunna.. eka nisa duka na.. anika gotze ga goal eka class.. Chances 2k miss kera gatta.. ...
... paw messi .. Argentina honda fight ekak dunna.. eka nisa duka na.. anika gotze ga goal eka class.. Chances 2k miss kera gatta.. ...
Neuer scoops Golden Glove award
Manuel Neuer completed a dream night by being awarded the Golden Glove prize after lifting the World Cup following Germany's 1-0 win over Argentina.
The Bayern Munich man kept a clean sheet to round off an impressive tournament at the Maracana, where Mario Gotze's extra-time strike was the difference between the two sides.
"It is unbelievable," Neuer admitted after the game. "The team has done superbly, not only the players, but also the team behind the team. At some point we will stop celebrating, but we will always stand up again with a smile."
Neuer was nominated along with Keylor Navas of Costa Rica and Argentina's Sergio Romero, but beat the pair to the title of best goalkeeper at Brazil 2014.
The 28-year-old impressed with his ability to play the ball out from the back with his feet as well as his rushes out to clear danger in what was almost a sweeper role, as Germany operated with a high defensive line throughout the tournament.
He also produced a host of superb saves as Germany advanced through the competition, including seven stops in one game as the European nation overcame Algeria 2-1 in the last-16.
Neuer ended the competition with a save percentage of 85.2 per cent, a statistic only bettered by Navas, who boasted a 91% success rate before Costa Rica's quarter-final exit at the hands of Netherlands.
Lionel Messi been awarded the Golden Ball following his inspirational performances for Argentina at World Cup 2014.
The Barcelona attacker was on the losing side in Sunday's tournament decider, with the Albiceleste going down 1-0 to Germany after extra-time in Rio de Janeiro.
However, Messi has been rewarded for carrying his side to the final, with the 27-year-old having racked up four goals and one assist in seven appearances.
Thomas Muller, who won the Golden Boot in South Africa four years go, picked up the Silver Ball after another sensational tournament for Germany.
The 24-year-old attacking midfielder took his overall World Cup goals tally to 10 after netting five times in Brazil - and also set up three goals.
Meanwhile, Netherlands winger Arjen Robben took the Bronze Ball after playing a key role in Netherlands' third-place finish with three goals and one assist.
The other Golden Ball contenders were Germany trio Philipp Lahm, Mats Hummels and Toni Kroos, Argentina duo Javier Mascherano and Angel di Maria, Colombia sensation James Rodriguez and Brazil forward Neymar.
In claiming the prestigious prize, Messi emulates the achievement of the man with whom he is so often compared, compatriot Diego Maradona, who won the award for skippering the Albiceleste to success in Mexico in 1986.
Messi is the third Argentine to receive the Golden Ball, with Mario Kempes having become the inaugural winner in 1978 on the back of his sensational goalscoring exploits during the country's victorious campaign on home soil.
mata puduma dukai..
Cabella arrives for Newcastle medical
Remy Cabella has arrived for a medical ahead of his move to Newcastle, Goal understands.
As revealed earlier on Sunday, the midfielder is one of three deals which the Magpies are very close to sealing.
The 24-year-old, who scored 14 goals and made five assists in Ligue 1 for Montpellier last season and was part of the France World Cup squad which made it to the quarter-finals, has been a long-term target for Alan Pardew's side.
Newcastle hope to follow the acquisition of the attacking midfielder with Netherlands international Daryl Janmaat and Monaco striker Emmanuel Riviere before they depart for a pre-season tour of New Zealand late next week.
Pardew has moved quickly to bolster his squad this summer, with Siem de Jong, Ayoze Perez and Jack Colback all having already arrived at St James's Park.
Remy Cabella has arrived for a medical ahead of his move to Newcastle, Goal understands.
As revealed earlier on Sunday, the midfielder is one of three deals which the Magpies are very close to sealing.
The 24-year-old, who scored 14 goals and made five assists in Ligue 1 for Montpellier last season and was part of the France World Cup squad which made it to the quarter-finals, has been a long-term target for Alan Pardew's side.
Newcastle hope to follow the acquisition of the attacking midfielder with Netherlands international Daryl Janmaat and Monaco striker Emmanuel Riviere before they depart for a pre-season tour of New Zealand late next week.
Pardew has moved quickly to bolster his squad this summer, with Siem de Jong, Ayoze Perez and Jack Colback all having already arrived at St James's Park.
Adrian Lopez leaves Atletico Madrid for Porto
Porto have completed the transfer of Adrian Lopez from Atletico Madrid for a fee believed to be in the region of €11 million.
The Portuguese giants were keen to add an extra striker to their squad amid ongoing reports that Jackson Martinez could be on his way out this summer and they have now found their man in Adrian.
The 26-year-old underwent a medical on Saturday and has signed a contract with Porto until June 2019, containing a minimum fee release clause of €60 million.
Adrian came through the ranks of the Oviedo youth academy and signed for Deportivo La Coruna in the summer of 2006. He enjoyed loan spells at Alaves and Malaga before eventually joining Atletico in 2011.
The versatile attacker impressed in his first two seasons at the Vicente Calderon side, yet lost his starting berth last term and will now be looking to get his career back on track at Porto.
Adrian is Porto's sixth signing of the summer transfer window after the previous acquisition of Oliver Torres, Daniel Opare, Ricardo, Evandro, Sami.
Porto have completed the transfer of Adrian Lopez from Atletico Madrid for a fee believed to be in the region of €11 million.
The Portuguese giants were keen to add an extra striker to their squad amid ongoing reports that Jackson Martinez could be on his way out this summer and they have now found their man in Adrian.
The 26-year-old underwent a medical on Saturday and has signed a contract with Porto until June 2019, containing a minimum fee release clause of €60 million.
Adrian came through the ranks of the Oviedo youth academy and signed for Deportivo La Coruna in the summer of 2006. He enjoyed loan spells at Alaves and Malaga before eventually joining Atletico in 2011.
The versatile attacker impressed in his first two seasons at the Vicente Calderon side, yet lost his starting berth last term and will now be looking to get his career back on track at Porto.
Adrian is Porto's sixth signing of the summer transfer window after the previous acquisition of Oliver Torres, Daniel Opare, Ricardo, Evandro, Sami.
Schweinsteiger: We believed we could be the best
Bastian Schweinsteiger says he always believed Germany could be the best at the 2014 World Cup, despite losing out at the semi-final stage in the last two tournaments.
Schweinsteiger was part of the side that lost to Italy in the last four in 2006 and also featured in the team that succumbed to Spain in 2010, but he can finally celebrate a World Cup win some two weeks short of his 30th birthday.
The midfielder says his team always had belief they would come out on top, even in the toughest moments of their campaign.
"It’s an unbelievable feeling," the Bayern Munich midfielder said in the mixed zone after the extra-time win over Argentina.
"There were some matches, especially against France, when it was not so easy. But we believed in ourselves. Against Argentina it was the same - we believed in ourselves.
"We said 'come on guys, we have to do this' - and we did it. Since 2006 we have always been in the semi-finals, but now we have taken a step up."
Germany thrashed Brazil 7-1 in the semi-finals last Tuesday to make it to the Maracana showpiece, but found Argentina a tougher nut to crack, having been forced to wait until Mario Gotze's strike in the second half of extra-time to seal victory. And Schweinsteiger says his side's quality shone through in the end.
"The most important thing is that we have quality," Schweinsteiger said. "We have quality players, tradition in our game and mentality.
"We can run, we can press, we can defend, and the mix between this and the mentality – that’s the solution. Now we are number 1 in the world and we want to enjoy this moment."
"We had no pressure," he added. "It was not like in London [in the 2013 Champions League final against Dortmund]. That was pressure. The first 25 minutes of that match were not easy at all, but there was no pressure in this one.
"We are the first European team to win a World Cup in South America. For me it’s very special, the guys are so happy. We played tonight for the Brazilians as well, so we would like to thank them for their support."
Meanwhile, defender Shkodran Mustafi said he still hasn't come to terms with the significance of Germany's win.
"I’m 22, a young player - and I’m still trying to digest it," said the Sampdoria defender, who has been out injured since Germany's last-16 win over Algeria.
"After my first games for the national team, I was called up at the last moment and now I’m lifting the World Cup trophy so it’s unbelievable.
"You can’t describe the feeling. It needs to sink in, because I don’t know what I’m feeling right now."
Bastian Schweinsteiger says he always believed Germany could be the best at the 2014 World Cup, despite losing out at the semi-final stage in the last two tournaments.
Schweinsteiger was part of the side that lost to Italy in the last four in 2006 and also featured in the team that succumbed to Spain in 2010, but he can finally celebrate a World Cup win some two weeks short of his 30th birthday.
The midfielder says his team always had belief they would come out on top, even in the toughest moments of their campaign.
"It’s an unbelievable feeling," the Bayern Munich midfielder said in the mixed zone after the extra-time win over Argentina.
"There were some matches, especially against France, when it was not so easy. But we believed in ourselves. Against Argentina it was the same - we believed in ourselves.
"We said 'come on guys, we have to do this' - and we did it. Since 2006 we have always been in the semi-finals, but now we have taken a step up."
Germany thrashed Brazil 7-1 in the semi-finals last Tuesday to make it to the Maracana showpiece, but found Argentina a tougher nut to crack, having been forced to wait until Mario Gotze's strike in the second half of extra-time to seal victory. And Schweinsteiger says his side's quality shone through in the end.
"The most important thing is that we have quality," Schweinsteiger said. "We have quality players, tradition in our game and mentality.
"We can run, we can press, we can defend, and the mix between this and the mentality – that’s the solution. Now we are number 1 in the world and we want to enjoy this moment."
"We had no pressure," he added. "It was not like in London [in the 2013 Champions League final against Dortmund]. That was pressure. The first 25 minutes of that match were not easy at all, but there was no pressure in this one.
"We are the first European team to win a World Cup in South America. For me it’s very special, the guys are so happy. We played tonight for the Brazilians as well, so we would like to thank them for their support."
Meanwhile, defender Shkodran Mustafi said he still hasn't come to terms with the significance of Germany's win.
"I’m 22, a young player - and I’m still trying to digest it," said the Sampdoria defender, who has been out injured since Germany's last-16 win over Algeria.
"After my first games for the national team, I was called up at the last moment and now I’m lifting the World Cup trophy so it’s unbelievable.
"You can’t describe the feeling. It needs to sink in, because I don’t know what I’m feeling right now."
Low: I told Gotze to show he is better than Messi
Germany coach Joachim Low says he told "miracle boy" Mario Gotze to show that he is better than Lionel Messi before his winning goal in Sunday’s World Cup final.
Gotze came on as a second-half substitute before scoring with a volley in extra-time as Germany beat Argentina 1-0 at the Maracana to win their fourth World Cup.
Low was seen speaking to Gotze during the break in extra-time and revealed after the match that he told the Bayern Munich forward to show up Messi and make his country world champions.
"I told Mario Gotze to show to the world he is better than Messi and to decide the World Cup. That’s what I told him – I had a good feeling with him," Low said in his post-match press conference.
"Gotze is a miracle boy. He can play in any position. I always know he can be decisive in a match and he scored a great decider today."
Low first joined the Germany set-up as assistant to Jurgen Klinsmann in 2004 before taking over as coach after the 2006 World Cup on home soil.
The 54-year-old believes the World Cup triumph was the culmination of a decade of constant improvement and says Germany deserved to win a World Cup.
"We started this project 10 years ago and this is the result of many years of work, beginning with Jurgen Klinsmann," Low said.
"Over these years, we made constant progress and improved performances until we did the ultimate thing we had to do.
"If there is one team that deserves this, it is these players. Guys like Per Mertesacker, Lukas Podolski, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Philipp Lahm, Miroslav Klose who have been in the group this whole time.
"The team spirit is unbelievable. They have unbelievable willpower and that is why we made it.
"The players gave everything, with Schweinsteiger leading them and Lahm running forever.
"I told them before the game that they would have to give more than ever before to do something they had never done before – win the World Cup.
"We are the first European team to win the World Cup in Latin America and this makes us proud. This deep joy and happiness will remain forever."
Germany coach Joachim Low says he told "miracle boy" Mario Gotze to show that he is better than Lionel Messi before his winning goal in Sunday’s World Cup final.
Gotze came on as a second-half substitute before scoring with a volley in extra-time as Germany beat Argentina 1-0 at the Maracana to win their fourth World Cup.
Low was seen speaking to Gotze during the break in extra-time and revealed after the match that he told the Bayern Munich forward to show up Messi and make his country world champions.
"I told Mario Gotze to show to the world he is better than Messi and to decide the World Cup. That’s what I told him – I had a good feeling with him," Low said in his post-match press conference.
"Gotze is a miracle boy. He can play in any position. I always know he can be decisive in a match and he scored a great decider today."
Low first joined the Germany set-up as assistant to Jurgen Klinsmann in 2004 before taking over as coach after the 2006 World Cup on home soil.
The 54-year-old believes the World Cup triumph was the culmination of a decade of constant improvement and says Germany deserved to win a World Cup.
"We started this project 10 years ago and this is the result of many years of work, beginning with Jurgen Klinsmann," Low said.
"Over these years, we made constant progress and improved performances until we did the ultimate thing we had to do.
"If there is one team that deserves this, it is these players. Guys like Per Mertesacker, Lukas Podolski, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Philipp Lahm, Miroslav Klose who have been in the group this whole time.
"The team spirit is unbelievable. They have unbelievable willpower and that is why we made it.
"The players gave everything, with Schweinsteiger leading them and Lahm running forever.
"I told them before the game that they would have to give more than ever before to do something they had never done before – win the World Cup.
"We are the first European team to win the World Cup in Latin America and this makes us proud. This deep joy and happiness will remain forever."
Messi blames World Cup defeat on strikers
Lionel Messi blamed Argentina's 1-0 World Cup final defeat to Germany on their forwards for being wasteful in front of goal.
The 27-year-old was a peripheral figure on the night and fired wide a golden opportunity to give his side the lead in the second half after Gonzalo Higuain had done the same in the opening period, while Rodrigo Palacio also scuppered a great chance.
Argentina were then punished for their failure to convert those chances when Mario Gotze scored a brilliant winner in extra-time to take the World Cup back to Germany.
And Messi believes his side deserved better, insisting they should have taken their chances.
"We haven't been in the semi-finals for many years and the fact that we played the final and the way we played it it's something to be proud of,"Messi said after the game.
"But we deserved more and that's why we are sad. The strikers missed the chances we had. It's a bad feeling for all of us because we couldn't win the cup and take it to our people.
"It's painful to lose it by so little. We were very close of a big change for this national team but we couldn't finish it."
Argentina made it to the final after beating Netherlands on penalties in their semi-final on Wednesday, a day after Germany thrashed Brazil 7-1 in their last four clash.
And Messi felt the ease at which Joachim Low's side cruised to victory last week, along with the additional 24 hours of rest ahead of the final, was key as the final went into extra-time.
"I was OK physically as were the rest of us," he added.
"The fact that we played a day after them and that we played extra-time against a team that was able to rest in the last minutes of their semi-finals affected our finish of the game.
"A difference of one day is big at this stage."
Messi could take one small crumb of comfort from his evening after being awarded the Golden Ball as the best player of the tournament, though he said the prize "meant very little" on a disappointing night.
Lionel Messi blamed Argentina's 1-0 World Cup final defeat to Germany on their forwards for being wasteful in front of goal.
The 27-year-old was a peripheral figure on the night and fired wide a golden opportunity to give his side the lead in the second half after Gonzalo Higuain had done the same in the opening period, while Rodrigo Palacio also scuppered a great chance.
Argentina were then punished for their failure to convert those chances when Mario Gotze scored a brilliant winner in extra-time to take the World Cup back to Germany.
And Messi believes his side deserved better, insisting they should have taken their chances.
"We haven't been in the semi-finals for many years and the fact that we played the final and the way we played it it's something to be proud of,"Messi said after the game.
"But we deserved more and that's why we are sad. The strikers missed the chances we had. It's a bad feeling for all of us because we couldn't win the cup and take it to our people.
"It's painful to lose it by so little. We were very close of a big change for this national team but we couldn't finish it."
Argentina made it to the final after beating Netherlands on penalties in their semi-final on Wednesday, a day after Germany thrashed Brazil 7-1 in their last four clash.
And Messi felt the ease at which Joachim Low's side cruised to victory last week, along with the additional 24 hours of rest ahead of the final, was key as the final went into extra-time.
"I was OK physically as were the rest of us," he added.
"The fact that we played a day after them and that we played extra-time against a team that was able to rest in the last minutes of their semi-finals affected our finish of the game.
"A difference of one day is big at this stage."
Messi could take one small crumb of comfort from his evening after being awarded the Golden Ball as the best player of the tournament, though he said the prize "meant very little" on a disappointing night.
Gotze: A dream has become reality
Mario Gotze says it was a dream came true as he helped Germany to World Cup glory by scoring the only goal of the game in Sunday's final against Argentina at the Maracana.
The Bayern Munich attacker started the match against the South Americans from the bench, but was brought on late in the second half to replace Miroslav Klose.
Gotze didn't let head coach Joachim Low down and found the net in the 113th minute after a cross from Andre Schurrle to fire Germany to their fourth World Cup title.
"It's an unbelievable feeling, I don't know how to describe it. I just took the shot and didn't know what was happening. It's unbelievable," the 21-year-old said.
"For us, the dream has become reality. I'm very proud of the team and extremely happy about everything that happened in Brazil.
"Every player in our team deserves to be mentioned here and we're very proud to have won this trophy."
Gotze made six appearances at the World Cup, scoring two goals in the process.
Mario Gotze says it was a dream came true as he helped Germany to World Cup glory by scoring the only goal of the game in Sunday's final against Argentina at the Maracana.
The Bayern Munich attacker started the match against the South Americans from the bench, but was brought on late in the second half to replace Miroslav Klose.
Gotze didn't let head coach Joachim Low down and found the net in the 113th minute after a cross from Andre Schurrle to fire Germany to their fourth World Cup title.
"It's an unbelievable feeling, I don't know how to describe it. I just took the shot and didn't know what was happening. It's unbelievable," the 21-year-old said.
"For us, the dream has become reality. I'm very proud of the team and extremely happy about everything that happened in Brazil.
"Every player in our team deserves to be mentioned here and we're very proud to have won this trophy."
Gotze made six appearances at the World Cup, scoring two goals in the process.
Sabella: Messi is one of the greats and deserves Golden Ball
Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella has insisted that Lionel Messi deserved to be awarded the Golden Ball, adding he is among the 'pantheon of greats' despite his failure to win the World Cup in Brazil.
Messi was unable to emulate Diego Maradona's achievements in 1986 of carrying Argentina to World Cup glory as the South Americans were beaten 1-0 by Germany in the World Cup final at the Maracana on Sunday.
The Barcelona striker was still awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player and Sabella believes he deserves it and will still be considered among the greatest players in history.
"I believe he is already in the pantheon of greats. He was there before the tournament and he’s been there for a while," Sabella said in his post-match press conference.
"I think he deserved the Golden Ball. He played an extraordinary World Cup. He was a fundamental factor in getting us to the final. I sincerely believe he deserves it."
Sabella is expected to resign from his position as the Albiceleste coach in the wake of the World Cup but he refused to be drawn on his future as he spoke of his pride in the players.
He added: "I can’t speak about my future now. I don’t know what to say about the future.
"What I want to do is rest, spend some time with the players and my family. I need to rest for a couple of days and then I will see.
"I’m very proud. It has been an extraordinary World Cup, the boys gave their all and did everything for the Argentina shirt and the group.
"They can look each other in the eyes and say they gave everything. They were warriors. They left every last drop of sweat on the pitch.
"The players deserve a wonderful welcome back in Argentina because they played a wonderful World Cup."
Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella has insisted that Lionel Messi deserved to be awarded the Golden Ball, adding he is among the 'pantheon of greats' despite his failure to win the World Cup in Brazil.
Messi was unable to emulate Diego Maradona's achievements in 1986 of carrying Argentina to World Cup glory as the South Americans were beaten 1-0 by Germany in the World Cup final at the Maracana on Sunday.
The Barcelona striker was still awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player and Sabella believes he deserves it and will still be considered among the greatest players in history.
"I believe he is already in the pantheon of greats. He was there before the tournament and he’s been there for a while," Sabella said in his post-match press conference.
"I think he deserved the Golden Ball. He played an extraordinary World Cup. He was a fundamental factor in getting us to the final. I sincerely believe he deserves it."
Sabella is expected to resign from his position as the Albiceleste coach in the wake of the World Cup but he refused to be drawn on his future as he spoke of his pride in the players.
He added: "I can’t speak about my future now. I don’t know what to say about the future.
"What I want to do is rest, spend some time with the players and my family. I need to rest for a couple of days and then I will see.
"I’m very proud. It has been an extraordinary World Cup, the boys gave their all and did everything for the Argentina shirt and the group.
"They can look each other in the eyes and say they gave everything. They were warriors. They left every last drop of sweat on the pitch.
"The players deserve a wonderful welcome back in Argentina because they played a wonderful World Cup."
Sabella: Argentina should be proud regardless of defeat
Alejandro Sabella feels Argentina should be proud of their World Cup campaign regardless of their 1-0 defeat after extra time to Germany in Sunday's final at the Maracana.
The South Americans got a number of chances to take the lead against Joachim Low's men, but Gonzalo Higuain, Lionel Messi and Rodrigo Palacio all failed to beat Manuel Neuer.
Argentina were made to pay for their profligacy in the 113th minute when Mario Gotze netted the only goal of the game and Sabella has stressed that the game could have gone either way.
"I'm sad because we couldn't win the tournament, but I'm proud of this team," the Argentina coach told reporters.
"These players have to be an example for our country after the tournament they played. We will be recognised for this achievement in the future. The team kept on growing right until the end.
"We were the better team for a while and they were on top at other moments. Both teams could have won the game."
Sabella then went on to stress that the timing of the semi-finals played a role in Argentina's defeat, too, as they had one day less to recover from their match against Netherlands than Germany after their win over Brazil.
"We played against a team that played their semi-final one day before us and that basically won their game before the end of the first half, while we had to play extra time."
Alejandro Sabella feels Argentina should be proud of their World Cup campaign regardless of their 1-0 defeat after extra time to Germany in Sunday's final at the Maracana.
The South Americans got a number of chances to take the lead against Joachim Low's men, but Gonzalo Higuain, Lionel Messi and Rodrigo Palacio all failed to beat Manuel Neuer.
Argentina were made to pay for their profligacy in the 113th minute when Mario Gotze netted the only goal of the game and Sabella has stressed that the game could have gone either way.
"I'm sad because we couldn't win the tournament, but I'm proud of this team," the Argentina coach told reporters.
"These players have to be an example for our country after the tournament they played. We will be recognised for this achievement in the future. The team kept on growing right until the end.
"We were the better team for a while and they were on top at other moments. Both teams could have won the game."
Sabella then went on to stress that the timing of the semi-finals played a role in Argentina's defeat, too, as they had one day less to recover from their match against Netherlands than Germany after their win over Brazil.
"We played against a team that played their semi-final one day before us and that basically won their game before the end of the first half, while we had to play extra time."
Messi misses chance to match Maradona
The best team won, but the best player did not. For Lionel Messi this was the chance to match the legend of Diego Maradona, to lead an average Argentina side to World Cup glory just like his compatriot did in 1986. But when it mattered most, he fell short.
Germany's golden generation of players brutally beat Brazil last Tuesday and were favourites to win this one, but Argentina's hopes hinged - as so often before - on one man.
Messi had stepped up in the group games to drag the Albiceleste through their pool with three wins and nine points. There was a stunning strike in the 2-1 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina, a wonderful winner against Iran and two more great goals in the 3-2 victory versus Nigeria.
But there has been no Maradona moment. Messi's run deep into extra time set up Angel Di Maria to net the only goal in the last-16 win over Switzerland, while he had his moments against Belgium in the quarter-finals, drawing space in the build-up to Gonzalo Higuain's goal and seeing a second-half effort saved by Thibaut Courtois. In the semi-final shootout success against Netherlands, he converted his penalty, but was unable to lead his team to victory in normal time.
In the final, he again failed to live up to expectations. Again there were moments, such as an exciting run into the area in the first half which caused havoc in the German defence, another dribble past four defenders in the second period which was cleared by Joachim Low's men and an angled drive which went wide when often it would have gone in. Those moments, however, weren't decisive.
After his four goals in the group games, Messi was unable to add to his tally in the knockout stages. Maradona, by contrast, scored two against England in the quarter-finals in 1986 (including what is still considered the greatest goal in World Cup history) and two more in the semi-finals against Belgium. And in the final, it was his pass which set up Jorge Burruchaga for the winner against West Germany after Argentina had thrown away a two-goal lead.
At Barcelona, Messi benefits from a passing philosophy which is specifically designed to allow him to shine. But for Argentina, playing on the counter-attack, he is much more easily thwarted. At Camp Nou, he can be seen walking around the pitch seemingly disinterested, just as he did on Sunday, but he'll soon spark back into life when the opportunity arises, the markers are dragged wide, the spaces opened and the chances created.
In the last few games, that hasn't happened. While Messi, who was controversially named the winner of the Golden Boot, needs support from the collective to make him shine against the very best rivals, Maradona was able to take the team by the scruff of the neck and create something out of absolutely nothing in the biggest games of all.
Comparisons will go on about who is the greatest and perhaps they are unfair after everything Messi has achieved, but he still hasn't been able to match Maradona's feat of winning a World Cup in an ordinary team like Diego did in 1986. At Russia 2018, he'll have another chance.
The best team won, but the best player did not. For Lionel Messi this was the chance to match the legend of Diego Maradona, to lead an average Argentina side to World Cup glory just like his compatriot did in 1986. But when it mattered most, he fell short.
Germany's golden generation of players brutally beat Brazil last Tuesday and were favourites to win this one, but Argentina's hopes hinged - as so often before - on one man.
Messi had stepped up in the group games to drag the Albiceleste through their pool with three wins and nine points. There was a stunning strike in the 2-1 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina, a wonderful winner against Iran and two more great goals in the 3-2 victory versus Nigeria.
But there has been no Maradona moment. Messi's run deep into extra time set up Angel Di Maria to net the only goal in the last-16 win over Switzerland, while he had his moments against Belgium in the quarter-finals, drawing space in the build-up to Gonzalo Higuain's goal and seeing a second-half effort saved by Thibaut Courtois. In the semi-final shootout success against Netherlands, he converted his penalty, but was unable to lead his team to victory in normal time.
In the final, he again failed to live up to expectations. Again there were moments, such as an exciting run into the area in the first half which caused havoc in the German defence, another dribble past four defenders in the second period which was cleared by Joachim Low's men and an angled drive which went wide when often it would have gone in. Those moments, however, weren't decisive.
After his four goals in the group games, Messi was unable to add to his tally in the knockout stages. Maradona, by contrast, scored two against England in the quarter-finals in 1986 (including what is still considered the greatest goal in World Cup history) and two more in the semi-finals against Belgium. And in the final, it was his pass which set up Jorge Burruchaga for the winner against West Germany after Argentina had thrown away a two-goal lead.
At Barcelona, Messi benefits from a passing philosophy which is specifically designed to allow him to shine. But for Argentina, playing on the counter-attack, he is much more easily thwarted. At Camp Nou, he can be seen walking around the pitch seemingly disinterested, just as he did on Sunday, but he'll soon spark back into life when the opportunity arises, the markers are dragged wide, the spaces opened and the chances created.
In the last few games, that hasn't happened. While Messi, who was controversially named the winner of the Golden Boot, needs support from the collective to make him shine against the very best rivals, Maradona was able to take the team by the scruff of the neck and create something out of absolutely nothing in the biggest games of all.
Comparisons will go on about who is the greatest and perhaps they are unfair after everything Messi has achieved, but he still hasn't been able to match Maradona's feat of winning a World Cup in an ordinary team like Diego did in 1986. At Russia 2018, he'll have another chance.
Colombia star James Rodriguez has been rewarded for his sensational goalscoring exploits at World Cup 2014 with the Golden Boot.
The attacking midfielder was the breakout star in Brazil, inspiring his side to a first ever appearance in the quarter-final stage by netting six times in just five games.
Four years after claiming the Golden Boot in South Africa, Thomas Muller was forced to settle for silver this time around.
However, after doubling his overall World Cup goals tally with five strikes during Germany's triumphant campaign, the 24-year-old is now a very serious contender to break the all-time record held by team-mate Miroslav Klose (16).
Lionel Messi, meanwhile, had high hopes of claiming the Golden Boot after racking up four goals in his first three games but the Argentina captain failed to score in the knockout stage.
Consequently, the Barcelona No.10 finishes fourth, just ahead of Netherland striker Robin van Persie on account of the fact that the Dutchman did not register any assists.
Messi was pipped to the Bronze Boot by Neymar as his club-mate - who also set up one goal - only played five games before his tournament was ended by a back injury sustained in Brazil's quarter-final win over Colombia.
James Rodriguez, of course, also ended that game in tears but at least the Monaco man's late penalty in Fortaleza has proven no mere consolation goal, as his successful spot-kick has ultimately earned him the Golden Boot - and a place in World Cup history.
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