TEMPO.CO, Rio de Janeiro - Lionel Messi's winning the Golden Ball as the best player at the 2014 FIFA World Cup has been a dubious distinction for some, who said his performance was average throughout the competition.

Among those protesting FIFA's decision to give Messi the Golden Ball is Argentina's own soccer legend Diego Maradona. The man with whom Messi is most often compared to has blasted FIFA for the award. Maradona said Messi's winning the award was a mere business move from FIFA.

"Messi? I would give him heaven if possible," Maradona said. "But it’s not right when someone wins something that he shouldn’t have won just because of some marketing plan."

Maradona also expressed his disappointment for Argentina's failure in the final. The legendary striker said that Argentina deserved a penalty shootout, and that Gotze's goal ensued from miscommunication in Albiceleste line of defense.

BLEACHERREPORT | A. RIJAL