Messi Loses the Match, But Win the Golden Ball
Messi Loses the Match, But Win the Golden Ball
When Argentina entered the World Cup 2014 finals on Brazilian soil, there was much agitation. Many Brazilians preferred a German victory instead and that has come to pass. Germany has lifted its fourth World Cup after Mario Götze scored a single goal in the extra time. Some look down upon Lionel Messi as someone who has failed to live up to great expectations. Argentina had to be content with the second place as the heavens seemed unwilling to let the well oiled Germans leave without a victory on Brazilian soil.
FIFA this year has had its share of controversies and scandals. Whether it was Luis Suarez's bite or the deadly massacre of Neymar following a challenge by Colombian player Zuniga, the game was in news for wrong reasons as well. Those who live to play the game should play by its rules. Crossing the line means you lose respect, if not the game.
But Messi had his own demons to fight as well. The Germans were being touted as a strong team and they also claim that they let Brazil off lightly in the 7-1 win. Brazil without Neymar was already demoralised to begin with. Argentina had its own scores to settle with the naysayers and of that, there were plenty.
Messi was playing against the tide. The crushing weight of expectations to be the next Diego Maradona were not easy to live (or play with) either. Many question why he should be given the Golden Ball. The critics can say what they want to but Messi scores 4 goals in 3 games against Bosnia, Nigeria and Iran.
Critics allege his star faded in matches against Belgium, Holland, Switzerland and of course Germany. But it should be recalled that one man cannot be judged for his losses as much as he can be lauded for his victories. He is human. Sports professionals are often written off following a loss or a humiliation.
But winning is not everything. The spirit of the game is just as important. So is sportsmanship. Football fans venerate their heroes. Players realise that at the end of the day, the best shot may not be enough to win the final match.
Messi fought with all he had even as he faced a barrage of criticisms. Neymar coped bravely with his pain. In true sportsmanship spirit, Suarez's punishment was said to be “too harsh” by his Italian victim. These are the moments that a layperson will carry with him or her as he watches the experts comment and the fans celebrate or despair.
Messi has scored 354 goals in 425 games for Barcelona and he was won 3 Champions League and 6 La Liga titles. He has laboured in the wake of tragedies to win the match of his life. At 27, he can say that he tried with all his might.
He will be 31 at his next World Cup. Critics are claiming his moment has passed. But for some, his moment is now. Defeat has its sting, but fighting till the last moment carries a distinction of its own. Messi has fought valiantly. Losing a friend on the eve of a semi-final is hard. Add the crushing weight of a nation's expectation and past heroes to it and then one would understand just how hard Messi fought and why he deserves the Golden Ball. Germany deserves its victory too. The machine-like precision and unflagging energy levels of the German players is a class by itself.
