Leo Messi wins UEFA Best Player Award.

Lionel Messi was named the UEFA Best Player in Europe for the 2014-15 season for helping Barcelona to a Treble of trophies.

The Argentine star defeated the other finalists, his Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez and Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo, who won the award a year ago, after a live vote of journalists.

Messi received the accolade after Thursday's Champions League group stage draw was made, as the holders were placed against Bayer Leverkusen, Roma and BATE Borisov.

The four-time FIFA world player of the year scored 58 goals in all competitions while leading Barcelona to titles in La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League. Ronaldo scored 61 goals, but Real Madrid failed to win any major trophies.

Lionel Messi received UEFA's top individual honour on Thursday ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo, centre.