Lionel Messi receives his award from UEFA President Michel Platini.[UEFA.com]

Lionel Messi has been voted the winner of the inaugural UEFA Best Player in Europe Award in Monaco, the FC Barcelona forward finishing ahead of Xavi Hernández and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Argentinian international scored 53 goals in 2010/11, including 12 in the UEFA Champions League, where he finished as the top scorer for the third season in succession. His final European goal of the season was Barcelona's second in their 3-1 final defeat of Manchester United FC, their third title in six years, while Messi also helped his club to a third successive Liga title.

A panel of 53 journalists drawn from each of UEFA's member nations voted ahead of the draw for this season's Champions League group stage.

UEFA created the honor after "France Football" magazine combined its traditional European award with FIFA's world player prize.

Messi won that award in January when Xavi placed third.