2018 World Cup

Messi is favourite for top awards

Messi is favourite for top awards

Argentina’s forward and captain Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring a goal during a Group F football match between Argentina and Iran at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte during the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil on June 21, 2014. AFP PHOTO / PEDRO UGARTE

Argentina’s Lionel Messi is the bookmaker’s favourite to win the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball at the World Cup while France, Brazil, Argentina and the Netherlands are favourites to win their matches in the quarterfinals which start today.

Colombia’s James Rodriguez, currently the World Cup’s top scorer with five goals, is second favourite to win the Golden Boot for leading scorer while Messi’s closest challenger for the Golden Ball for player of the tournament is Brazil’s Neymar.