Virgil van Dijk reveals Lionel Messi was the toughest opponent he has ever faced. Liverpool center-back, who was Messi’s main opponent for the Ballon d’Or 2019, has faced the Argentine international while playing at Celtic, in 2016, a night Celtic would not want to remember, as the Catalan side beat Scottish champions 6-1 at the Camp Nou stadium.
But their most recent battle had a good finish for the Netherlands international. Despite suffering a 3-0 defeat in Spain, Liverpool produced one of the incredible comebacks in football history, destroying Catalan side 4-0 at the Anfield Road.
Virgil van Dijk trying to steal the ball from Lionel Messi during the Champions League semi-finals first leg between Barcelona and Liverpool (Image - Michael Regan/Getty Images)
“There are some difficult strikers out there but probably Leo Messi.” Van Dijk said during the twitter Q&A when asked to mention his toughest opponent.
Earlier, Merseyside club star had sent a message to fans amid rapidly spreading coronavirus.
The COVID19 is affecting the world as well as the footballing world. Due to the virus, major sporting events have been postponed.
The FA, Premier League, EFL and Barclays FA Women’s Super League and FA Women’s Championship have collectively agreed to postpone the professional game in England until 3 April at the earliest.
Van Dijk took to Twitter and wrote: “I just wanted to send a message to say I hope everyone is doing OK in these difficult times.
“We must all look after each other in what is tough circumstances for everyone across the whole world. Please stay safe.
“We will be back! You’ll Never Walk Alone.”
Image - Getty Images