FIFA World Cup 2014 final: Lionel Messi laments lack of killer instinct

Brasilia: Argentina captain Lionel Messi regretted his side`s missed chances as Germany beat La Albiceleste 1-0 in the World Cup final on Sunday thanks to Mario Goetze`s extra time goal.

Gonzalo Higuain, Rodrigo Palacio and Messi himself all passed up clear opportunities chances to put Argentina in front before Goetze struck seven minutes from time. "I think we did everything to win, but it didn`t happen for us. We couldn`t score the goal," said the Barcelona star. Messi was still crowned as the player of the tournament for his performances and four goals in carrying his country to the final for the first time in 24 years. However, he insisted the individual award was scant consolation for missing out on a much bigger collective prize. "We wanted to win the World Cup," he replied when asked about being awarded the Golden Ball. "Now we have to look forward."