Maradona calls Messi's Golden Ball award a 'marketing plan'

When FIFA names Lionel Messi as the winner of the 2014 Golden Ball award for best player at the World Cup, many were unimpressed by the decision. Apparently, Argentina legend Diego Maradona was amongst the naysayers.

"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."

The 1986 World Cup champion made the comments on his television show on Telesur.

While Maradona isn't outright criticizing Messi, or his performance in the World Cup, there's no doubt that some might view this comment as such. The truth is that Maradona is taking a jab at FIFA for giving the award for reasons other than it's expressed purpose.

But FIFA wouldn't do that RIGHT?