LIONEL MESSI has been named BBC Sports Personality’s World Sport Star of the Year.
The Argentina captain scored twice on Sunday as he finally got his hands on the World Cup trophy.
The 35-year-old superstar helped guide his national team past France on penalties.
And the BBC announced they have dedicated the win by naming the diminutive genius as the world star of the year.
The prize is awarded by a panel to the athlete who has “achieved the most notable sporting success” on the globe during that calendar year.
The 2021 winner was Irish jockey Rachael Blackmore.
It is yet another trophy for Messi, who spoke about winning the World Cup after lifting it in Qatar.
He said: “It’s everyone’s dream when they’re little.
“I’ve been lucky enough to achieve everything and what I was missing, I found here.”
The thrilling final ended with a penalty shootout victory over France, following a 3-3 draw.
And Messi and his team-mates jetted back to Buenos Aires with the golden orb.
The playmaker posted a picture of himself holding the trophy on the plane to his Instagram on Monday afternoon.
An over-the-moon Messi reacted to the historic victory on Instagram a few hours after the thrilling match.
Along with a series of snaps of himself celebrating, he wrote: “CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLD!!!!!!!.
“So many times I dreamed it, so much I wanted it that I still don’t fall, I can’t believe it…
“Thank you so much to my family, to all who support me and also to all who believed in us.
“We prove once again that Argentinians when we fight together and united we are able to achieve what we aim.
“The merit is of this group, which is above individuals, is the strength of all fighting for the same dream that was also the one of all Argentinians…
“We did it!!! LET’S GO ARGENTINA DAMN!!!!!
“We’re seeing each other very soon.”
