The Netherlands international may have bested Leo in the semi-final, but he still thinks he deserves football's most prestigious individual prize
The Netherlands defender has been a rock in the heart of the Liverpool side since signing in January 2018, transforming a notoriously leaky backline into the Premier League's most formidable unit.
Already named the PFA Player of the Year and Premier League Player of the Season in England this season, Van Dijk now has a real chance to become the first defender to pick up the Ballon d'Or since Fabio Cannavaro in 2006.
"I think Messi is the best player in the world. He should win the Ballon d'Or," he told reporters in Madrid following the final whistle.
"So I'm not thinking of that. But if I win, I'll take it. Messi should win it though. He is the best in the world, whether he's in the final or not."
Van Dijk, who entered the press conference with his Champions League winners medal hanging from his neck and a bottle of beer in hand, added that he hoped this title would push Liverpool on to even better things next season - specifically, toppling Manchester City at the Premier League summit.
"We should be hungry. This season finished today with the Champions League," he said.
"In July everyone starts at zero and we go again. We saw this season that we still have to build on it.
"We need to challenge Manchester City again because I don’t think they’re going anywhere. We are ambitious and we want these type of nights a couple of times a year."
footballworldfresh
540
Jokes apart ...Messi deserves it ..and I mean really ...UCL exit can't stop him....
KLEMIN
296
I just would be glad if football fans understand the Balloon d'or doesn't necessarily go with the champions league trophy. Let's wait to see what happens. whoever wins it means he deserves it.
Numair47
220
Remember Coutinho left Liverpool and joined Barca to win UCL [Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
Auguztinz
176
If Messi doesn't not win it this year after a very wonderful individual season than they should name the prize as,,BALLON D'OR FOR CHAMPIONS LEAGUE WINNERS ONLY
deuackrz
167
I agree with Virgil! Messi deserves it. YNWA
Wepbilps
165
Barcelona and Ajax players waiting for 3rd & 4th place match in ucl 😂😂
cezbdltuz
101
The King is always a King!! sorry Van Dijki and Liverpool fans, that award doesn't follow the trophy. it follows where the best of all time is,. Lionel Messi is the first choice then second theys no other than CR7 then third from Bundas Liga, French League 1 or... don't forger Modric was Trophless last season but he managed to collect the award,. Baloon D'or goes to Messi not to EPL,. Ramos who deserve to win it 3 times fails,. it's for the best of all time... van dijki has just wake up from his bed and start training and he's comparing to legends... If it was CR7 I would say he can win it yes not defender... Ramos is the best defender in the World but he couldn't carry it, sorry sorry King of Football Lio Messi will lift it💪
Cahcdeimrt
100
In my opinion, VVD is probably the greatest defender I have ever seen. He had a amazing season although I would still say that Messi was slightly better than VVD, although if Van dik wins the balloon d'or I wouldn't be that surprised
MARSHALLROMEO
85
Van Dijk performed well this season but he can't win the balon d'or...Ribery won treble 2013 he also won Champions league best player but he didn't get the balon d'or eventually van Dijk performance would get overlooked by FIFA and also Messi has won the top scorer of the champions league you can't compare a striker with a defender ...van. Dijk just won the UCL where as Ribery who won the Bundesliga UCL super cup and club world cup didn't get anything
tomabdimtz
54
Despite the fact that Messi didn't get to the finals, he still deserved it. Watching his build up this year. He won the league and gaped Madrid and Atletico enough points. He clinched to the top scorer in la liga. He was also the top scorer in Europe whole league. He was the highest goal scorer in the champions League with 12 goals. He pushed Ronaldo out of the position he has been occuping for 7 years. He scored at the finals of the Copa del Rey, he scored twice against Liverpool in the semi final, twice again against Manchester United in the quarter finals. Some other precious moments in the league. Panenka dead balls. Somany wonderful dead balls. So for me he is the only player to have showed something for that precious award this year.