But, on another occasion, Messi finds his way past his markers and causes havoc in the box. Germany escape without conceding
These Argentina fans are growing a tad frustrated
Half-time: 0-0">
Just before the break, Germany's Benedikt Hoewedes crashes a header against the post ... that's the closest they've come in the first half, and arguably he should have scored.
Half-time: 0-0
Early in the second half, Messi is played through on goal for what, by his standards is a glorious chasnce. he just has to beat the keeper, but he rolls his left-footed shot wide of the far post
Javier Mascherano looks livid with Thomas Mueller during an altercation
Higuain gets absolutely clattered by Germany's goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. Neuer got the ball first but his knee gave Higuain an almighty thwack. oddly, the Argentinian was booked for the foul
Higuain has run his race and is substituted for Argentina's forward Rodrigo Palacio. Then Miroslav Klose comes off for Germany, bringing to an end his illustrious World Cup career
At the end of 90 minutes it's still 0-0. Extra-time is on the way. Messi looks puffed
Argentina's Rodrigo Palacio wastes another good chance in extra-time when he lifts the ball over Neuer but wide of the far post. Are Argentina going to regret their profligacy in the end?
Midway through the second half of extra-time, Germany's Mario Goetze chests down the ball in the box and lashes a shot at goal ...
... which beats the keeper and crashes into the net
Absolutely delirium for Goetze and his team-mates
It's the 171st goal of the tournament and with it he's surely he's won the World Cup for Germany?
Messi looks bereft at the restart. There may be seven minutes remaining but his body language suggests the game is over
The final whistle goes and Germany are victorious. They've won their fourth World Cup
Bastian Schweinsteiger is in tears as Julian Draxler comes to congratulate him
Messi cuts a dejected and isolated figure
Up the Germans go to collect their prize
Champions of the World ... yet again.