Diego Maradona has declared that Lionel Messi did not deserve to be chosen as the best player of the 2014 World Cup, suggesting the Argentina forward won the award for marketing reasons.

A dejected Messi picked up FIFA’s Golden Ball for outstanding player of the tournament moments after Germany forward Mario Goetze’s extra-time winner condemned Argentina to defeat in the World Cup final.

Messi had scored four goals in the group stages but failed to maintain his level of performance in the knock-out rounds, particularly against Germany and against Holland in the semi-final, which Argentina won on penalties.

“I would give heaven and earth to Leo, but when marketing people want him to win something he didn’t (deserve to) win, it is unfair,” said Maradona.

“I could see that he didn’t want to go up and collect it (the award).”

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