Dejected Messi forced to accept Golden Ball at FIFA WC 2014

A heart-broken and dejected Argentine skipper Lionel Messi seemed unconvinced about being given the Golden Ball gong for the best player of the FIFA World Cup, and it appeared as if he was forced to accept it.

Messi took the award after World Cup final heartbreak, before even accepting his loser's medal, watched by tearful team-mates.

According to The Mirror, Messi barely knew where to look as he climbed the steps of the Maracana to accept his FIFA Golden Ball award.

Just minutes after losing the World Cup Final to Germany, the Argentina international was forced to pose for photos alongside Manuel Neuer, who won the Golden Glove award - awarded to the tournament's best goalkeeper.

Messi climbed the stadium steps not once, but twice, as he then ascended the Maracana to accept his medal for Argentina's second place finish in the tournament.

Colombia's James Rodriguez was the favourite to win the Golden Ball award, having also won the Golden Boot award for notching up the most goals in the tournament, despite his side being knocked out in the quarter-finals.

There were also four Germany players on the final shortlist for the Golden Ball award, with unflappable captain Philipp Lahm, goal machine Thomas Muller, defensive rock Mats Hummels and midfield playmaker Toni Kroos among FIFA's top 10 players.