Lionel Messi deserved World Cup Golden Ball

Lionel Messi deserved to be named the World Cup's best player despite Argentina's 1-0 defeat in Sunday's final, says coach Alejandro Sabella. 

Messi, 27, received the Golden Ball after scoring four goals in Brazil but was subdued against Germany.

Sabella said Messi's award was "very deserved", adding: "He played a great World Cup to get us where he did."

Barcelona star Messi said of the award: "The truth is it doesn't interest me at this moment."

The four-time world player of the year added: "We wanted to win the World Cup for all the people in Argentina and we couldn't do it. We tried, but we didn't have the luck we had in other games."

Midfielder Javier Mascherano added: "The pain is immense. We wanted to win this for the people of Argentina, for those who came here to support us, but we lost.

"We have represented our country the best we could. We have to lift our heads despite the pain. We gave everything we could out there."

Messi's goals came during the group stage, with a double against Nigeria following strikes against Bosnia-Hercegovina and Iran.

Former England captain Gary Lineker was disappointed by Messi's performances during the tournament.

Gary Lineker analysis says "I had a feeling watching Messi for Barcelona this season that he was saving himself for the World Cup, but he has clearly not been in brilliant physical condition in Brazil."