Lionel Messi, Xavi Hernandez and Cristiano Ronaldo will compete for the inaugural Best Player in Europe award. UEFA says the winner will be decided by a media panel on Aug. 25 at the Champions League group-stage draw in Monaco. Messi scored 53 goals as he and Xavi inspired Barcelona to win the Champions League and Spanish title last season. Ronaldo scored a league-record 40 goals for Real Madrid. The panel of one journalist from each of Europe's 53 football nations elected the 3-player shortlist.