He was good in the early stages against the lesser nations but failed to deliver when it mattered. I'd have given it to Mueller.
I agree completely, I thought Mascherano was head and shoulders above Messi. This really did look like a sponsors / corporate decision by people with a vested interest in the player. It certainly wasn't a football decision.
His goals pretty much got them through the group stage. Set up the winner for Di Maria in the knockout. Pretty much single handedly got them to the final. I'd not say he was player of the tournament, but he's not as bad as is being made out.