When the final whistle blew on July 3rd, 2010, the curtain fell down on Argentina’s World Cup dream. Lead by then coach, World Cup winner as a player and regarded as the best of all time by many, Diego Maradona, the Albiceleste had crashed out of the 2010 World Cup in spectacular fashion losing 4-0 to Germany. In a defeat, it’s easy to pick a scapegoat. Some chose Diego Maradona, others the makeshift right back Nicolas Otamendi and some put the blame on rookie goalkeeper Sergio Romero. However, one person who was not able to escape any criticism at all was the reigning Golden Ball winner Lionel Messi. The Albiceleste’s number 10 had just come off a massive 47 goal season with Barcelona but was unable to find the back of the net in South Africa and it seems that was the only thing many were fixated on.

Excellent read.
Shows how opinion is made on centimeters.
What if all those 3 shots vs Germany would have gone inside ?
Leo would have won it all, won his fifth Ballon d'or and be considered the best ever.
But they did not go inside. Does that make Messi a "worst" player ? No. However general perception is different.
Just enjoy him and the way he plays !!

Beautiful article.
Kudos.

I can't believe that there is a need to write an article to show that Messi had a brilliant World Cup. It's sad that people can't see this. If Cristiano was awarded Golden Ball for his awful performances, the Madrid and English media will actually write 100 pages articles defending why Cristiano deserved to win his award.

I know i am exaggerating but people will get my point.