LIONEL MESSI called a Twitch streamer a "son of a b****" in a brilliantly awkward exchange on the Ballon d'Or red carpet.
Messi picked up a record-breaking eighth world player of the year award at the star-studded Paris event.
Earlier in the night, the Barcelona legend spoke with Spanish streamer Ibai Llanos.
It is believed Messi was rather unhappy about the content creator reading out private messages between the two.
During their chat on Llanos' channel, Messi said: “I'm not going to answer you anymore because you make everything public and I don't like it.”
Lionel Messi posts emotional message after 'year I will never forget'
When Llanos tried to change the conversation, Messi replied with a smile: “The Ballon d’Or? Now you are changing the topic you son of a b****.”
Llanos saw the funny side as he posted: "The moment when he calls me a son of a b**** and then we start talking as if it were a serious interview, what was it?"
Messi pipped former PSG team-mate Kylian Mbappe and Manchester City's Erling Haaland to his historic Ballon d'Or.
He was presented with the award by his Inter Miami boss David Beckham.
Messi was later probed on the greatest of all time debate but responded in an ever-humble fashion.
CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
He said: "I don't know if I'm the best.
"I don't ask myself the question and it doesn't interest me. The fact that they say that I am one of the best is already an honour.
"All children want to play football and try to be one of the best.”
Mirror Football's Premier League team of 2022 as champions dominate