On Monday, in an extraordinary ceremony in Milan, the FIFA best of the year were awarded.
In the most intriguing category of the best football player of the year, the star of Barcelona team Lionel Messi triumphed, leaving behind Liverpool's defensive pillar Virgil van Dijk and Juventus leader Cristiano Ronaldo.
Van Dijk, second in the voting, reassured after the ceremony that he does not feel any bitterness and stated that he cannot be compared to Messi.
"The people who voted made a decision and we must accept it. It is a fact that as players, I cannot be compared to Messi, because we are completely different. I am very happy just being here. I am glad to be in the team of the year, as last season we really worked hard.
"Today I did not win, but I am definitely not disappointed," Van Dijk said after the ceremony.
