FIFA wont give it to James unless he remains as the top scorer. He deserves it so far, but he left too early.
Angel Di Maria Hummels Kroos Lahm Mascherano Muller Messi Neymar Robben James are the candidates. So far, I think that only these players can actually win it: James, Robben, Messi, Kroos, and Muller.
Messi will definitely win it if Argentina wins the final (even if he doesn't show up). Afraid Messi might win it no matter what happens in the final, simply because the German vote will disperse amongst the team. Messi is clearly behind Muller, James, Robben and Kroos objectively, but Messi will win in a popularity contest.
I don't think that popularity will help Messi; even with all the shit that went on in this world cup, FIFA would have more public criticism that they want to avoid.
No goals and no assists...mind you I am not one who is biased like that, but most people are as well as FIFA with directly contributing. I have respect for defenders, but I doubt that he'll be considered within the top 3 unless something big happen in the final.
Many defenders have been awarded as best players. I think he has a good shot if we win on Sunday. Otherwise, it will be a german. James would have been a serious contender if you had gone through though.
He still is; he's also been involved in every other goal (expect one) that Colombia has scored; he passes it to a guy who assists the scorer when he doesn't assist or score the goal. What 100% gives him the award is if the candidates who are playing for 3rd and the actual trophy don't step up. James has been the popular pick by recent polls over who should win the golden ball, but again, that can easily change depending how these last two matches go.
FIFA wanted this...corrupt Blatter...total BS! Messi didn't show up yet again for the 3rd straight game and he gets MVP?! LOL Robben should have won it.
What a joke. MIA since the 1/8 final. Apparently someone wants to forcefeed us that he's GOAT. But his showing at this World Cup has been decent, but a far cry from memorable. Mueller, Rodriguez, Mascherano, Robben... but not Messi. Someone having a good old laugh at us.
Messi probably saved Argentina in 4 games, though they are the first 4. Alongside Mascherano who provided their defensive stability they both lifted an average Argentina to the final. Other than Rodriguez and Neuer who already have awards I can't think many players lifted their teams as much.
Robben imo had a better WC than Messi. Just in Argentina Mascherano and Di Maria were more vital than Messi.
Messi was MIA for almost the entire tournament. He had moments of magic that brought him 4 goals and 1 assist in the group stage and the 1/8 final. This must count for something, but Messi was such a passenger it was shocking. Wouldn't even put Messi in my top 10 of the tournament.
As boring as it may be to award the Golden Ball to the Golden Boot winner, I think James Rodriguez was the player who stood out the most this World Cup, and deserved both awards. For him not even to show up in the top 3 is pretty bad. Robben would be a close 2nd, and then I don't think there's a clear cut 3rd. Mascherano was not spectacular, but he was consistent and responsible for Argentina's great defense. Messi was great in the first 3 games, but did little since. The same applies for Neymar. German players were great throughout, but nobody stood out from the pack.
my personal top 3 of this tournament 1 James Rodriguez 2 Muller 3Robben even though I still don't like him or the Dutch for their diving
Messi winning the Golden Ball: what a travesty! Müller, 5 goals and 3 assists, or James, were more deserving options.