Alan Shearer: 'Lionel Messi missed his chance'

Alan Shearer has expressed his belief that Lionel Messi missed his chance to join Pele and Diego Maradona as one of the all-time greats as he spurned an opportunity in his side's World Cup final defeat.

The 27-year-old was presented with a chance in the opening minutes of the second half at the Maracana but put his shot wide of the post, which was to cost his side as Mario Gotze won the game for Germany in extra time.

Shearer told BBC Sport: "During the whole tournament we have been saying that Messi had to lift the biggest prize of all if he was to have the same iconic status as Maradona or Pele.

"He had his chance in the final and he didn't take it."

Messi won the Golden Ball award for his exploits during the tournament in Brazil.