Lionel Messi of European champions Barcelona [ Images ] was named the European Club Player of the Year on Thursday for helping his side lift the UEFA [ Images ] Champions League [ Images ] trophy last season.

Argentine Messi was also named forward of the year with his club mate Xavi Hernandez [ Images ], who also played a key role for Barca last season, named as midfielder of the year ahead of a third Barcelona club mate Andres Iniesta [ Images ].

Chelsea [ Images ] and England [ Images ] skipper John Terry [ Images ] was named defender of the year while Edwin Van der Sar [ Images ], of last season's Champions League runners-up Manchester United [ Images ], was named goalkeeper of the year.

Thee awards are for their performances in the Champions League.

UEFA president Michel Platini [ Images ] presented a special award to Paolo Maldini, who won five European Cups with AC Milan [ Images ] during a playing career that spanned more than 20 years until he retired at the end of last season.