Virgil Van Dijk: “The best moment in my life is when I was nominated for the Ballon d’Or and I did not win it because I simply came in the time of Messi.”

For most footballers, the Ballon d’Or represents the pinnacle of individual achievement — the ultimate recognition for brilliance on the pitch. For Virgil van Dijk, however, his nomination in 2019, despite not lifting the golden trophy, remains the proudest moment of his career. And his reason? It has everything to do with one man: Lionel Messi.

In a recent emotional reflection, Van Dijk revealed what it meant to stand on that stage, shoulder to shoulder with the greatest footballer of all time. “The best moment in my life is when I was nominated for the Ballon d’Or and I did not win it because I simply came in the time of Messi,” he said with a smile that spoke more of admiration than regret.

Van Dijk’s words carry the weight of humility, awe, and an understanding of legacy. While many athletes would lament finishing second in such a prestigious contest, the Dutch defender considers it an honor — not a defeat. In his eyes, to lose to Messi isn’t a loss. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime privilege.

In 2019, Van Dijk was the standout defender in world football. His commanding performances led Liverpool to Champions League glory, and his presence transformed their defense into one of the most feared in Europe. Many believed that he deserved the Ballon d’Or that year — and by traditional standards, he did. But Messi’s genius proved unshakable once again.

“The problem with some players who want to win the Ballon d’Or is that Messi is still playing football, and this is impossible to happen,” Van Dijk continued, acknowledging a truth that echoes across generations of greats. How do you outshine a man who rewrote football’s script? How do you surpass someone who seems to bend time and space with a touch of the ball?

Rather than envy, Van Dijk’s sentiment is drenched in gratitude. “On the other hand, we are lucky that we came in the time of Messi and played with him,” he said. It’s a rare moment of perspective from a world-class athlete — to find joy not just in your own greatness, but in sharing a timeline with someone even greater.

Messi has long been a player who transcends club loyalties. Whether you wear the red of Liverpool, the blue of Chelsea, or the white of Real Madrid, watching Messi perform is a gift. For Van Dijk, the privilege went beyond watching — he played against him. He stood on the same pitch, fought in the same duels, and competed on the biggest stages.

“This is the talent that changed the course of football,” Van Dijk added, a sentence that will resonate for decades. And he is not wrong. Messi’s influence stretches beyond goals and assists. He has reshaped the way football is viewed — as an art, a poetry in motion, a dance that turns matches into moments of magic.

The Dutchman, known for his calm demeanor and ironclad defense, speaks of Messi not as a rival but as a phenomenon. “I will tell my grandchildren that one day I was nominated for the Ballon d’Or with the best player in history, and this is an honor for me.” In that statement lies the soul of a sportsman — one who understands that being part of history is sometimes greater than making it alone.

There’s something deeply poetic in Van Dijk’s reflections. In a footballing world often consumed by ego, numbers, and heated debates, his words bring peace. They remind us that greatness isn’t always about standing on the top step of the podium. Sometimes, it’s about knowing who you shared the stage with.

In a career filled with trophies, titles, and accolades, Van Dijk holds onto this memory — not because it made him the best, but because it placed him alongside the best. And for him, that’s more than enough.

When future generations look back on the Messi era, they’ll find echoes of his brilliance not just in highlight reels, but in the reverence of his peers. Van Dijk’s heartfelt admiration is a timeless tribute — from one legend to another.

This is the kind of legacy that transcends rivalry. This is the kind of respect that immortalizes the game. And this is the kind of humility that makes Van Dijk not just a great defender, but a true ambassador of football.

In the end, perhaps the Ballon d’Or doesn’t always need to be in your hand to be in your heart.