After finishing runner-up for the Best FIFA Men's Player award, the defender said he could not be compared to the Barcelona star.
"The people who vote made a decision and you have to accept it," Van Dijk told reporters.
"That's just the case and as players you can't compare me and Messi because it's totally different.
"I'm very proud to be here."
And while Van Dijk, named in the FIFA World X despite missing out on the big award, said there was no disappointment when it came to Messi's victory.
"Disappointed? You can't be disappointed," he said.
"I'm just very happy to be here, to be in the team of the year, after the hard work and the good work we put in last year.
"Today, I, unfortunately, didn't win but I'm not disappointed."
Related：
Liverpool
Barcelona
Messi
Van Dijk
posilios
379
😭 Ribery: I know that feel, Virgil!
Ngaopunidarcula
226
Van dijk a real man Proud of him
atharvaparadkar10
143
VVD have sportman spirit.He is mature. But some players are so immature that they even didn't attend the function. And the fans of that player are backing him with their toxic logics.[Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh] Any ways you are true Sportman VVD.
BLACKISKING
87
VVD have sportman spirit.He is mature. But some players are so immature that they even didn't attend the function. And the fans of that player are backing him with their toxic logics. Any ways you are true Sportman VVD
rocko10
29
u can clearly see the difference between van djik and other looser who shown his anger on Instagram
n now VVD
rocko10
27
u can clearly see the difference between van djik and other looser who shown his anger on Instagram
i again repeat.. messi and ronaldo have raised the standards so high
rocko10
20
u can clearly see the difference between van djik and other looser who shown his anger on Instagram
ppl don't want messi and ronaldo to win now