Sport
Van Dijk Says It’s a Privilege to Play Against Messi and Ronaldo
Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk has revealed that Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are the toughest opponents he’s ever faced on the pitch.
The Dutch defender admitted it’s no easy task coming up against either of the two footballing icons. In a chat with GQ, Van Dijk didn’t hold back as he named the duo as the most challenging players he has had to deal with throughout his career.
“Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo,” he said. “They’re both exceptional. Defending against them is incredibly tough. But for me, it’s an honour to play against the very best. It pushes you to your limits and keeps you sharp. That’s the beauty of it.”
Van Dijk has locked horns with Ronaldo five times, winning twice and losing three. He’s faced Messi three times, with two defeats and one unforgettable win—Liverpool’s 4–0 comeback at Anfield in 2019 that knocked Barcelona out of the Champions League.
Now nearing the end of their legendary careers, Messi is with Inter Miami in the MLS, while Ronaldo stars for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. Despite being rivals on the field, both remain benchmarks for greatness—and Van Dijk knows it firsthand.
Popular Nigerian Footballer Victor Osimhen recalls his life journey and how he grew up in Lagos State, Nigeria.
During a recent interview with Daddy Freeze, the footballer reflected on his life, a young boy supporting his family.
The footballer recalled when he used to fetch water for the neighbors to make little money to support his family. He stated that he charged 80 naira per trip and he also washed the gutters, charging 30 naira.
Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, is expected to be at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos on Saturday, June 28, to watch the President Federation Cup final between Kwara United and Abakaliki FC.
The match presents a scouting opportunity for Chelle as he continues his search for fresh talent ahead of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which is exclusive to players active in their home leagues.
Last month, the Malian coach included 10 home-based players in Nigeria’s squad for the Unity Cup in London, showing his growing interest in the local scene. Nigeria has been drawn into Group D alongside Congo, Sudan, and Equatorial Guinea for the upcoming CHAN, which will take place in August across Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has been hospitalized due to a severe bout of gastroenteritis. The club confirmed the news in a statement released on Thursday, noting that the French captain was taken in for medical tests after his condition worsened.
Because of this, Mbappe will be unavailable for Real Madrid’s upcoming FIFA Club World Cup clash against Pachuca on Sunday. He also missed their 1-1 draw with Al Hilal earlier in the week. At 26, the former PSG star will be aiming to bounce back quickly as he looks to return to action at the ongoing FIFA World Cup in the U.S.
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