Leo Messi Drops Family Joke After Claiming FIFA Best Men’s Player

• Lionel Messi cracked a joke after he was recognised as the best footballer at FIFA's 2022 The Best Awards
• The Argentine came out on top in the voting ahead of finalists Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema
• This is the second time the PSG superstar has been voted as best since the awards rebranded in 2016

Lionel Messi dropped a family joke after he was crowned The Best FIFA Men’s Player in Paris, France, on February 27.

The genius number 10 received the prestigious prize ahead of PSG teammate, Kylian Mbappe and Real Madrid's Karim Benzema following a milestone year in which he inspired Argentina to a third World Cup.

Messi, who won the accolade twice, said via the BBC:

"It's amazing. It's been a tremendous year, and it's an honour for me to be here and win this award. Without my teammates, I wouldn't be here."

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The veteran also spoke about winning the Mundial for his country.

"I achieved the dream I had been hoping of for so long. Very few people can achieve that, and I have been lucky to do so."

The 35-year-old finished his acceptance speech by hilariously telling his children it was past their bed time.

"I want to thank my family and Argentine people who experienced this World Cup intensely. Kisses to my children watching. It’s time to go to sleep."

Having scooped the individual award, Messi will be hoping to continue his fine form at the club level when PSG host Nantes in Ligue 1 on Sunday.

Messi claims world's best award

Sports Brief previously reported on Messi being crowned the best player of 2022 following the awards ceremony on February 27.

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The legendary Argentine forward beat his PSG teammate, Mbappe and Real Madrid star, Benzema to win the top award a second time.

Messi led Argentina to a third World Cup in Qatar after netting in all the knockout games, including a brace in the final versus France.

Messi's kids hug World Cup

Sports Brief also reported on Messi's children being included in the celebrations after their father led Argentina to a third world cup title.

Messi played a pivotal role as the team's leader and talisman, scoring seven goals as the South Americans were crowned champions.

After the game, the moment that grabbed the attention of many was when the star's sons, Mateo and Thiago were handed the trophy.