LIONEL MESSI HAS won the Golden Ball as the outstanding player of the 2014 World Cup.
Argentina’s superstar collected the award after leading the Albiceleste to their first final in 24 years.
There was no fairytale ending though as Mario Götze scored the winner in extra-time to clinch the World Cup for Germany.
Despite his low-key performance in the Maracanã, Messi was selected by FIFA’s Technical Study Group from the 10-man shortlist named earlier this week.
Germany’s Thomas Müller — who finished the tournament with five goals and three assists — won the Silver Ball while Holland’s Arjen Robben won the Bronze Ball.
Colombia’s James Rodriguez won the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer with six goals while German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer won the Golden Gloves as best goalkeeper.
Colombia won the Fair Play Award as the team with the best disciplinary record while France’s Paul Pogba collected the Young Player Award.
