Sayyiduna Wathilah bin al-Asqa' (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Form your rows, and let the most virtuous of you go forward (to lead you) in prayer, for Allah Almighty has chosen messengers from among the angels and from among people (i.e. human beings)."
Al-Tabarani recorded it in al-Mu'jam al-Kabir; its chain contains Ayyub bin Mudrik, who has been accused of lying.
Hadith Referenceمجمع الزوائد ومنبع الفوائد / كتاب الصلاة / 2324