"Two Great Players" - Van Dijk Praises Lionel Messi And Cristiano Ronaldo After Ballon D'or Criticism

Liverpool safeguard Virgil Van Dijk has lauded Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo after Monday's night Ballon D'or function, sprignobs reports.

Messi won the 2019 Ballon D'or Award with Van Dijk in second while Ronaldo was behind in third.

Before the Ballon D'or function, Van Dijk poked a fun at Cristiano Ronaldo's absense at the occasion.

Gotten some information about Ronaldo's nonattendance, the Dutchman tongue in cheek answered: 'Why? Is it accurate to say that he was a competitor?'

This brought about an irate reaction from Ronaldo's sister Katia Aveiro, who expressed that the Juventus forward 'will consistently be the best player on the planet.'

Ronaldo's sister composed onInstagram: 'I think there are individuals living totally baffled!!! What's more, ridiculous... such modesty!

''Presently, dear Virgil, where you are going, Cristiano Ronaldo has proceeded to have come a thousand times.

'My dear Virgil, that Cristiano Ronaldo was a tri-champion in the nation where you have been playing for a considerable length of time despite everything you haven't got your hand on the trophy.'