Lionel Messi stood on a stage in Paris, clutched his award and grinned as he spoke about the 'tremendous year' he's enjoyed.
Another gala occasion, another individual accolade for the collection, another acceptance speech blending humility, appreciation and faux surprise.
It was the second time the Argentine has won FIFA's The Best award, drawing him level with Cristiano Ronaldo in that particular sub-category of their rivalry.
But is anybody still counting? It's merely window dressing now, surely. The tit-for-tat Messi vs Ronaldo debate kept us entertained for the better part of two decades - but it's been settled, right?
As soon as Messi lifted the World Cup in Qatar just before Christmas, the argument was finished in the eyes of many football fans. It had been fun while it lasted, but Messi was officially the GOAT.
