Lionel Messi has previously spoken of his fondness toward Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk as the pair prepare to do battle once more in the World Cup later today.
Van Dijk has been in fine form for the Netherlands in Qatar. They topped Group A before seeing off the USA in the round-of-16 last weekend. Now their full focus is on stopping Messi's Argentina in tonight's quarter-final.
Now aged 35, Paris Saint-Germain star Messi came into the tournament in red-hot form, which he has continued in the Middle East with three goals in four games and some magnificent displays. That will come as no surprise to Van Dijk, who has previously stated that the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner is the toughest opponent he has faced.
