Liverpool midfielder Fabinho has laughed off his superb performance against Lionel Messi in their famous Champions League fight-back last season.

On claims he 'pocketed' Messi in the second leg at Anfield, the defensive midfielder paid tribute to the five-time Ballon d'Or winner and said his own exceptional performance on the night was necessitated to keep the Barcelona superstar quiet.

“I don't know if I put him in my pocket, you have got to respect the man," he said.

“He was the best player I've ever faced. I think especially in the second leg I managed to protect the defence really well in the area he plays and it was not easy [because] he's unpredictable.

“I saw people saying he disappeared during the game but the four opportunities Barca had came from him.

“He's a really unique guy, but there was a moment I noticed that Barcelona (players) waited and looked for him so I just started to close his area to not let the ball get to him - because it's a problem if it does."