Former Liverpool midfielder Arthur Melo has recalled how iconic superstar Lionel Messi complimented him at Barcelona.

Melo said he received a compliment from Messi shortly after he signed for Barcelona in the summer of 2018.

The South American was offloaded for €80.6 million to Juventus two years later but he made a marked impression on Messi during his time in Catalonia.

Speaking in a recent interview with SPORT, Arthur said, “[Lionel] Messi said I was the one who surprised him the most out of all the signings in 2018.

“I thought he was joking. And I had just arrived at Barça. It was a very nice moment for me. Afterwards, in the dressing room, I spoke to him in person and thanked him.”

Arthur managed four goals and six assists in 72 games across competitions for Barca.