Lionel Messi has been named UEFA Player of the Year after a final vote during the UEFA Champions League draw in Monaco on Friday (AEST).

Perhaps taking a leaf out of the book of his great modern rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, the Argentinian then took to social media to make the outrageous claim that he is "surely the greatest ever."

A glance at Messi's highlights reel for the season would suggest the claim may have some merit.

But a little humility wouldn't go astray.