Van Dijk won the UEFA best player of the year after helping Liverpool win their sixth Champions league trophy.
Despite the Dutchman’s enormous success with the Reds last season, the Argentine won the Golden Ball for a record sixth time ahead of him.
Barnes believes Messi is the greatest player of all time but insists Van Dijk was more deserving of the award than the Argentina international.
"I love Messi, he is the greatest player in the world, probably ever and he’s had a fantastic season," told BonusCodeBets.
"Virgil should have won it, but you can’t argue with the stats for what Messi’s done and how great he’s been. Even this season, this year.”
The former Watford and Newcastle United midfielder said Van Dijk will not be bothered by individual awards as far as Liverpool win big titles.
"Individual awards don’t mean anything to me and I don’t think Virgil will be too hard done by either.”
"As long as Liverpool win, I don’t feel he will be that bothered by individual awards. Individual awards are for the fans and the media to talk about who the best player is.”
“I thought Virgil should have won it, but it’s not much of an issue or problem at all because Messi is a great player as well."
