Virgil van Dijk says Netherlands are not focusing on stopping Lionel Messi

Virgil Van Dijk will need to keep a close eye on Lionel Messi (John Walton/PA)

Virgil Van Dijk insists the Netherlands are preparing for far more than Lionel Messi alone in Friday’s World Cup quarter-final against Argentina.

Messi has, once again, proved Argentina’s inspiration in Qatar and the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner is aiming to cap his glittering career by guiding his side to success in next week’s final.