Lionel Messi was named FIFA player of the year 2022 on Monday as Argentina scooped all major men's awards after winning a vintage World Cup final last December.
The 35-year-old forward scored two goals in the final against France, with the South Americans emerging triumphant on penalties following a 3-3 draw after extra time in Qatar.
"It's amazing. It was a tremendous year and it is an honour for me to be here tonight and win this award", said Messi, who sat next to France forward and Paris St Germain team mate Kylian Mbappe throughout the ceremony at Paris's Salle Pleyel.
Mbappe, also nominated for the highly anticipated award of the night, netted a hat-trick in the World Cup final but his achievement was overshadowed as Messi finally won the most coveted trophy in world football.
"I want to express my thanks to (coach Lionel) Scaloni and my team mates, without them I would not be here," Messi added.
"I achieved a dream I had been hoping for so long and finally I achieved it. It's a dream for any player, very few people can achieve that and I was lucky enough to do so."
His compatriots Lionel Scaloni and Emiliano Martinez won the coach of the year and keeper of the year awards respectively, and their supporters even got the best fans prize, while England were rewarded for their victorious women's Euro 2022 campaign.
Mary Earps was named keeper of the year and England's Dutch coach Sarina Wiegman received the accolade for best coach of a team who had four players in the year's World 11 - Beth Mead, Lucy Bronze, Leah Williamson and Keira Walsh.
Spain's Alexia Putellas, who won the Ballon d'Or last year, was named women's player of the year after inspiring Barcelona to a third consecutive national title in 2022.
Polish amputee Marcin Oleksy won the Puskas prize for best goal of the year for a spectacular acrobatic volley with Warta Poznan against Stal Rzeszow.
Argentina and Paris Saint-Germain forward Lionel Messi (L) receives from FIFA President Gianni Infantino the Best FIFA Men痴 Player award during the Best FIFA Football Awards 2022 ceremony in Paris on February 27. AFP
Argentina and Paris Saint-Germain forward Lionel Messi poses on stage after receiving the Best FIFA Men痴 Player award during the Best FIFA Football Awards 2022 ceremony in Paris February 27. AFP
Spain and Barcelona forward Alexia Putellas receives an award for the FIFA FIFPRO women's World11.
FC Barcelona's Alexia Putellas before the Best FIFA Football Awards REUTERS
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni receives the Best Coach award from Fabio Capello at the Best FIFA Football Awards.
Aston Villa's Emilio Martinez receives the Best Goalkeeper award from Enjola Aluko during the Best FIFA Football Awards.
Brazil and Manchester United midfielder Casemiro (R) receives and award for the FIFA FIFPRO men's World11.
England and Arsenal forward Beth Mead receives an award for the FIFA FIFPRO women's World11.
England manager Sarina Wiegman receiving the Best Women's Coach award from Hristo Stoichkov at the Best FIFA Football Awards.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Ronaldo during the Best FIFA Football Awards.
France and Olympique Lyonnais defender Wendie Renard receives and award for the FIFA FIFPRO Women's World11.
Marcin Oleksy receiving the Puskas Award during the Best FIFA Football Awards.
Marcin Oleksy, receiving the Puskas Award during the Best FIFA Football Awards.
Netherlands and Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk receives an award for the FIFA FIFPRO men's World11.
Paris St Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi before the Best FIFA Football Awards REUTERS.
Pele's widow Marcia Aoki receives a Pele tribute trophy from Ronaldo during the Best FIFA Football Awards.
Portugal and bayern Munich defender Joao Cancelo (R) receives an award for the FIFA FIFPRO men's World11.
