Messi named world player of the year, Ronaldo wins goal of the year

London, Dec. 22 (ANI): Argentine and Barcelona football star Lionel Messi has been named World Player of the Year, while Portuguese and Real Madrid icon Cristiano Ronaldo has secured the Puskas Goal of the Year gong.

Ronaldo's 40-yard strike against Porto in the Champions League quarterfinal second leg last season clinched a 3-2 aggregate win for Manchester United. The Sun quoted the Real Madrid star as saying: "The truth is I didn't expect to win anything tonight. But, for me, it's an honour to win an award. This is a very good moment for me."

England and Chelsea captain John Terry was named in FIFA's Team of the Year. He was one of five Premier League stars to make the line-up, the others being Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard, Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra.

Terry said: "For all of us, to be voted for by your fellow professionals and your peers is an exceptional honour."

Lady Elsie Robson received FIFA's Fair Play award given posthumously to ex-England boss Sir Bobby Robson, who lost his battle with cancer this year. (ANI)