Diego Maradona says he does not agree with FIFA’s decision to award Lionel Messi the World Cup Golden Ball.
The Argentine talisman was presented with the prize, given to the best player in the tournament, following his country’s defeat to Germany in the final last night.
“I would give heaven and earth to Leo,” Maradona is quoted to have said by BBC Sport.
Diego Maradona says he does not agree with FIFA’s decision to award Lionel Messi the World Cup Golden Ball.
The Argentine talisman was presented with the prize, given to the best player in the tournament, following his country’s defeat to Germany in the final last night.
“I would give heaven and earth to Leo,” Maradona is quoted to have said by BBC Sport.
"But when marketing people want him to win something he didn't [deserve to] win, it is unfair.
“I could see that he didn't want to go up and collect it.”
Maradona also praised Argentina’s World Cup run, adding that the Germans were no better than Alejandro Sabella’s team at the Maracana.
"We raised our flag high, there's no doubt about that. Germany won due to a misunderstanding in the defence but at no point were they better than us.
“They showed us a lot of respect, and our lads earned that out on the pitch."