‘Messi deserved Golden Ball’

Lionel Messi was a worthy winner of the World Cup Golden Ball, according to Barcelona teammate Sergi Roberto.

The Argentina international was named by FIFA as the tournament’s best player to some consternation.

Many thought James Rodriguez deserved to lift the trophy, but the Barca youngster has insisted that ‘La Pugla’ was the best.

“I saw Messi at the World Cup as the same as in this past year, the best in the world," he told reporters.

“The award is deserved and the criticism is unfair, he wanted to win the World Cup and he deserves maximum respect.

“He has given a lot to this club and Argentina.”

The 22-year-old also had words of praise for Real Madrid’s new signing, Toni Kroos.

“He's a very good player, he has shown at the World Cup and with Bayern. He hasn't joined us but any player with his quality would be welcome at Barcelona.”

Tags Argentina Messi World Cup 2014
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