Liverpool vs Barcelona: Virgil van Dijk relieved he doesn’t play Lionel Messi every week as he labels him the best

Van Dijk and the rest of the Liverpool defence were unable to stop Messi inspiring Barcelona to a 3-0 advantage ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final second leg at Anfield

Virgil van Dijk has expressed his relief that he doesn’t have to face Lionel Messi every week after being on the receiving end of another Barcelona masterclass last week in Liverpool’s Champions League semi-final.

The centre-back was recently crowned the PFA’s Player of the Year, but not even he could find a way to stop Messi as the Barcelona forward scored twice in the 3-0 first leg victory that leaves Liverpool’s Champions League hopes hanging by a thread.

Having been defeated by Real Madrid in the final last season, Liverpool are facing semi-final heartbreak this time around unless they can pull off what would be one of the unlikeliest of comebacks at Anfield on Tuesday night, and recalling how difficult it was to keep Messi at bay, Van Dijk admitted that he firmly believes Messi is out on his own as the best player in the world.

“Messi is a fantastic player, that much is obvious,” Van Dijk told Marca. “Even when we were attacking, it is always difficult, as you know he is in the corner waiting to attack.

“He is the best player in the world and the extra level he has shown over the years proves this.”

Messi was given a simple tap-tin after Luis Suarez struck the ball against the crossbar to double Barca’s lead, but it was his second goal that captured the imagination with his inch-perfect free-kick beating Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson and leaving the Reds facing an uphill task to reach a second consecutive final.

“That goal shows where Messi is as a player,” Van Dijk added.

“When he is at his best, there is nothing you can do to stop him. I am glad I don't play in Spain and have to face him every season.”

Messi is one of seven players being rested this weekend for Barcelona’s La Liga clash with Celta Vigo, with manager Ernesto Valverde choosing to rest his big names with one eye on Tuesday’s second leg as Barca already have the title wrapped up.

Lionel Messi of Barcelona celebrates after scoring his free-kick (Getty) (Getty Images)

Along with Messi, Valverde has decided to leave Luis Suarez, Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba, Sergi Roberto, Ivan Rakitic, Sergio Busquets and Marc-Andre ter Stegen at home for Saturday’s trip to Vigo, although the likes of Philippe Coutinho, Arturo Vidal and Clement Lenglet have all been included.

Valverde will also give some much-needed game time to Ousmane Dembele and reserve goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen, while youngsters including Riqui Puig, Moussa Wague and Alex Collado have also been included.