Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has responded to claims made by his former coach that Lionel Messi and Argentina’s victory in the 2022 World Cup was premeditated. Van Dijk, who played under Ronald Koeman during his time at Southampton, expressed his disagreement with the assertion.
In an interview with Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Koeman suggested that Messi had already decided to win the World Cup before the tournament began. He claimed that Argentina’s success was a result of meticulous planning and Messi’s determination to lift the trophy.
Van Dijk, however, dismissed these claims, stating that it is impossible to predict the outcome of such a prestigious tournament. The Dutch center-back emphasized the unpredictability and competitiveness of the World Cup, highlighting the fact that any team can emerge as the winner.
The Liverpool star also praised Messi’s abilities, acknowledging the Argentine’s exceptional talent and impact on the game. Van Dijk described Messi as a phenomenal player who can make a difference in any match.
Furthermore, Van Dijk expressed his excitement for the upcoming European Championship, which was postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He revealed his eagerness to represent the Netherlands and compete against the best teams in Europe.
Van Dijk’s comments come as he continues his recovery from a serious knee injury that has kept him out of action for several months. The defender sustained the injury during a Premier League match against Everton in October 2020 and has since undergone surgery.
Despite his absence, Van Dijk remains a key figure for Liverpool and the Dutch national team. His leadership and defensive prowess have been instrumental in their recent success.
As the football world eagerly awaits the resumption of international competitions, fans will be hoping to witness some thrilling performances from the likes of Messi and Van Dijk. While the debate over Argentina’s World Cup victory may continue, one thing is certain – both players will be determined to make a significant impact on the field.
