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Virgil Van Dijk Talking About Barcelona Comeback In Front Of Lionel Messi Was Very Awkward

Virgil Van Dijk Talking About Barcelona Comeback In Front Of Lionel Messi Was Very Awkward

Liverpool defender was asked about that special night at Anfield, in front of a sheepish-looking Lionel Messi

Sunni Upal

Sunni Upal

Virgil van Dijk being asked about Liverpool's semi-final comeback against Barcelona in front of Lionel Messi on Thursday night was rather awkward.

The Reds defender was quizzed on the amazing 4-0 win at Anfield that sealed a 4-3 aggregate victory and a spot in the Champions League final in Madrid.


Van Dijk was sat two seats along from Messi with just Cristiano Ronaldo separating them.

And the Barcelona forward looked like he wanted to excuse himself for a lot of the conversation between Van Dijk and host Reshmin Chowdhury.

Messi looked at the floor, the ceiling, straight ahead, and eventually at the Dutch defender while he talked about their semi-final second leg victory.

Van Dijk said: "Anfield played a massive role. After the game in Spain we felt 3-0 wasn't the right result on the night but it was reality. We had to overcome it by doing the unthinkable.

"I think we had a crazy couple of days, we travelled back and played Newcastle and scored in the last few minutes to get the three points in a close title race. We travelled back from Newcastle and had one day to prepare for the Barcelona game.

"To actually do it, was unbelievable. The atmosphere was outstanding, it was something special and everything clicked on that night. We scored the goals at the right times, it was just a fantastic evening."

Virgil van Dijk won Player of the Year and Defender of the Year, while team-mate Allison was top goalkeeper, Frenkie De Jong was the best midfielder and Lionel Messi was No 1 forward
Virgil van Dijk won Player of the Year and Defender of the Year, while team-mate Allison was top goalkeeper, Frenkie De Jong was the best midfielder and Lionel Messi was No 1 forward

Van Dijk was sat alongside Messi and Ronaldo - and beat the pair to win UEFA's Player Of The Year Award.

The towering centre-back was instrumental in Liverpool's run to a sixth Champions League victory last season.

He said: "I'm very proud to get this trophy. It's credit to everyone who has helped me. I need to thank my team-mates, without them I would not have achieved what I have achieved. It's been a long road and it's part of my journey."

Liverpool were drawn against Napoli, Salzburg and Genk in Group E of this season's competition.

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Topics: Liverpool, Barcelona, Lionel Messi, Virgil Van Dijk