Lionel Messi gave a typically diplomatic answer when asked if he is the best football player in history at Monday's Ballon d'Or ceremony.
The Argentine scooped an unprecedented eighth Ballon d'Or award at the star-studded event in Paris after his exploits at the World Cup in Qatar.
Messi skippered the South American nation to their third World Cup triumph last December, overcoming France on penalties in a memorable final.
He netted seven times during the tournament, giving himself the edge in the Ballon d'Or voting over runner-up Erling Haaland and third-placed Kylian Mbappe.
The 36-year-old Inter Miami star was handed the award by club co-owner David Beckham and took in the historic moment alongside wife Antonela and their three children.
He said: "It's nice to be here once more to enjoy this moment. To be able to win the World Cup and achieve my dream.
"I couldn't imagine having the career I've had and everything I've achieved, the fortune I've had to be part of the best team in history.
"All of them [Ballon d'Or awards] are special for different reasons."
Following the ceremony, Messi spoke to reporters about his latest accolade and was asked if he is the greatest player in the history of the sport, above long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
"As I always said, I do not know if I am the best player in history or not," he replied via @AlbicelesteTalk on X, formerly known as Twitter. "If I am one of the best, then this is a wonderful thing."
With an incredible eight Ballon d'Or's to his name and a plethora of trophies won at club level, the World Cup winner continues to raise the bar to a level rarely seen.
And ominously for his rivals, Messi doesn't appear to be ready to slow down anytime soon.
Lionel Messi wins record-breaking eighth Ballon d'Or as he beats Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe to prize
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