Lionel Messi was awarded the Golden Ball award for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
The Barcelona ace led his country throughout the competition, shaking off the disappointing 2010 campaign as he scored 4 goals in the three group stage matches.
And even though his contribution dipped afterwards, the 27-year-old still played an integral part in La Albiceleste's road to the final, grabbing a late extra time assist for Angel Di Maria's extra time goal in the round of 16 match against Switzerland.
However, the four-time Ballon d'Or winner failed to win his nation the trophy, their first World Cup since 1986 as they lost 1-0 to Germany thanks to a 113th minute goal from Gotze.
Messi did however walk away with something other than a runners-up medal, being awarded the Golden Ball trophy for his performance in Brazil. But immediately after stepping up to the podium to collect the award, Twitter became engulfed with fans who argued the Argentine did not actually do enough to merit his recognition.
Even Argentine legend Diego Maradona questioned whether the Blaugrana superstar earned it, stating: "Messi? I would give him heaven if possible."
"But it's not right when someone wins something that he shouldn't have won just because of some marketing plan."
Argentine legend Diego Maradona called Messi's Golden Ball award a "marketing plan"
Many on Twitter were left shocked to see Messi being chosen as the best player of the tournament
Despite disappointment of losing in World Cup Final, Lionel Messi wins the golden ball as most outstanding player. pic.twitter.com/raYktP3ztF
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 13, 2014
Congratulations to Lionel Messi for winning an award that he didn't deserve but that's because FIFA loves you. Well done.
— Lewis (@lewisinho) July 13, 2014
Messi. Player of the Tournament. Not sure how.
— Chaz (@ChazAFC) July 13, 2014
Messi gets the Golden Ball as the best player of the tournament and he's just as confused as we are pic.twitter.com/S0Qu8xAwPy
— Emma May (@Em32ma) July 13, 2014
Idk if I agree with Messi getting the Golden Ball. In my opinion, he was not the best player in this tournanent by a long shot.
— Sergeant Copper Lynx (@hottubjhonny) July 13, 2014
Should Messi really be receiving the golden ball for this tournament? #FifaWorldCup
— eLDee 엘디 (@eLDeeTheDon) July 13, 2014
I'm assuming golden boot was just a popularity contest... Although Messi's my don. I'm not sure how he pulled that one off..
— Leh -Rees not Louise (@Reasezpieces) July 13, 2014
National team manager Alejandro Sabella, though, was quick to defend his skipper, saying he earned the Golden Ball award.
"I believe he is already in the pantheon of greats. He was there before the tournament and he’s been there for a while," Sabella said in his post-match press conference.
"I think he deserved the Golden Ball. He played an extraordinary World Cup. He was a fundamental factor in getting us to the final. I sincerely believe he deserves it."
Alejandro Sabella was quick to defend his captain, claiming the 27-year-old did earn the award
When asked about his future with the two-time World Cup champions, the 59-year-old boss refused to make any remarks as to whether he plans on walking away or staying on, saying: I can’t speak about my future now. I don’t know what to say about the future."
"What I want to do is rest, spend some time with the players and my family. I need to rest for a couple of days and then I will see."
