VAN DIJK: MESSI IS ARGUABLY THE BEST EVER

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has named Lionel Messi as the toughest opponent he has faced, describing the Argentine as arguably the best player of all time.

Van Dijk made the comments while speaking to former footballer Adebayo Akinfenwa on the Beast Mode On podcast. When asked to identify the most difficult opponent of his career, the Dutch defender selected Messi.

“I would pick Lionel Messi. Arguably the best player of all time,” Van Dijk said.

The Liverpool defender also praised Cristiano Ronaldo, placing both players among those who have achieved remarkable things in football. He said that while there have been many outstanding strikers in the Premier League, Messi and Ronaldo deserve particular respect and recognition for their careers.

Van Dijk has faced Messi several times during his career, including their memorable Champions League encounters between Liverpool and Barcelona. The Dutchman had also previously named Messi as his toughest opponent in a 2020 fan Q&A.

During the podcast, Van Dijk also spoke about Liverpool’s new manager, Andoni Iraola, describing him as a demanding coach who places emphasis on training, intensity and playing good football.

He also backed Alexander Isak to have a strong 2026/27 campaign and recalled Liverpool’s memorable league-clinching victory over Tottenham as one of the moments that gave him the biggest emotional high of his Anfield career.