KUALA LUMPUR: Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) winger Arif Aiman Hanapi has shrugged off his "Malaysian Messi" nickname, saying he sees himself as an ordinary player who relies on hard work and discipline.

The 24-year-old was featured in a documentary by British YouTube creator Manny (Emmanuel Brown), who visited the Southern Tigers' facilities at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium and the club's training centre.

When Manny raised comparisons with Lionel Messi, Arif laughed off the tag.

"Not Messi. People only call me Messi, not the player," Arif said.