FIFA robbed Lionel Messi of the Golden Ball. Anyone who watched this World Cup knows that. And they didn’t have to do that.
Twelve of Argentina’s nineteen goals came through him, eight scored, four created. That’s before you look at the goals where he didn’t get the assist but fashioned the goal.
He won more MOTM awards. Had better rating on average. If they wanted the Golden Ball to go to a player in the winning team, they should make it a clear rule.
Messi dragged Argentina back from the dead against Egypt, then England, and carried them to a final at 39. Rodri had an excellent tournament in the best team in the world. He neither scored nor assisted.
