Diego Maradona believes Lionel Messi was won the Golden Ball at the World Cup because it fits in with a marketing plan.
Argentina were beaten in the final by Germany and immediately after the final whistle, Messi ascended to the trophy presentation position to receive the award for the best player at the tournament.
There was widespread disbelief that Messi claimed the prize over the likes of James Rodriguez or Thomas Muller, and Maradona said on his chat show that the Barcelona forward won for sponsorship reasons.
“Poor thing, I’d give Messi heaven if possible,” Maradona is quoted as saying by AS.
“But it’s not fair when the marketers want to give him something he didn’t win.”
Maradona lamented the result, saying Germany had greater stamina but Argentina deserved the chance to take it to a penalty shootout.
“I feel for my country. It hurts me in the soul,” he continued.
“I think Argentina were a little legless and the German tanks drew strength. Argentina overall deserved at least penalties.”
