World Cup 2022: Van Dijk Speaks About Messi Ahead of Quarterfinal Tie

Argentina will be facing Netherlands in the quarterfinal clash of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar

Netherlands defender Virgil Van Dijk has explained that their focus is not about Messi, but to win

Virgil Van Dijk has explained hat he and other teammates in the Netherlands national team are not preparing to face Lionel Messi, but to beat Argentina in the quarterfinal.

Netherlands will go head to head with Argentina on Friday night, 9 December, in the round of 8 battle at the ongoing World Cup in Qatar.

Paris Saint-Germain forward Messi has been in superb form so far in Qatar and many football fans around the world have even been tipping him to win the title.

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According to the reports on Caughtoffside and ESPN, Dijk stated clearly that Messi is a good player considering his achievement in the game.

Statement made by Van Dijk

“For us now, it’s not just a case of just preparing for Messi, we’re preparing to beat Argentina and obviously, we know how big a part he is to their success over the years.”

Watch Lionel Messi's Wife

Earlier, Sports Brief had reported how Lionel Messi's son, Mateo recently found himself on the wrong side of his mother, Antonela Roccuzzo, after throwing gum at supporters.

The Messi family is currently in Qatar to support the Argentina captain in his pursuit of landing a first-ever World Cup title.

Argentina recovered from an opening day setback against Saudi Arabia to record consecutive wins against Mexico, Poland and Australia to make it to the quarter-finals.

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Messi has started as his usual self, with the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner up to three goals in the competition.

While he has been inspiring his side on the pitch, his wife has been holding down the fort when it comes to the discipline of their sons.

Roccuzzo took her sons Thiago, Mateo and Ciro to the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium to watch Messi play against Australia in the round of 16.

The Sun reports that as the family waited for the game to get underway, Mateo threw a piece of gum he was chewing towards the stands.

Traveller predicts tournament’s winner

Sports Brief also reported how Argentina's wish of winning this year's World Cup in Qatar hangs in the balance, after a 'Time Traveller' shared the winner of the tournament on TikTok.

La Albiceleste are looking to win back-to-back major tournaments in the Middle East country, having ended a 28-year wait for a major trophy by winning the Copa America last year in Brazil.