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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Former Liverpool coach Achterberg shared his thoughts on Messi</li><li>Slammed him for diving in 2019 UCL match</li><li>Delighted with one particular Andy Robertson tackle</li></ul>

Lionel Messi branded a 'diving c**t' in extraordinary tirade by former Liverpool coach after Andy Robertson incident

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Southampton

Having left Liverpool for Al Ettifaq, goalkeeper coach Achterberg has lifted the lid on his experience of the Reds' game against Barcelona in their run to Champions League glory in 2019. The 53-year-old did not hesitate to admit he would take the World Cup winner in a team over Cristiano Ronaldo, but that did not stop him from voicing a strong opinion on his antics during that famous European tie and the delight he felt when full-back Andy Robertson put in a particularly strong challenge on his opponent.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Speaking on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAaLcImcfEI&amp;ab_channel=TheFootballHistorianPodcast" target="_blank">The Football Historian Podcast</a>, he said: "When we played him I thought he was a diving c***. I liked it when we played him and Robbo smashed him so I thought: 'F***ing do him, c***!'"

WHAT ACHTERBERG SAID

Achterberg may have been frustrated by the ex-Barcelona star back in 2019, but he got to witness first-hand the magic of Messi. The magician scored twice in the first leg but suffered heartbreak at Anfield as Liverpool came from behind to win 4-0 and progress to the final.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Five years later both Messi and Achterberg are still thriving on and off the pitch. The former <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/new-signing-lionel-messi-inter-miami-leagues-cup-squad-announced-title-defence/blt6f4d2795f9ebee4d" target="_blank">remains a key part of Inter Miami's set-up</a> in Major League Soccer, while the latter is working alongside Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard in Saudi Arabia as Al Ettifaq prepare for the new season.

WHAT NEXT FOR ACHTERBERG AND MESSI?

Lionel Messi branded a 'diving c**t' in extraordinary tirade by former Liverpool coach after Andy Robertson incident | Goal.com Tanzania

Former Liverpool goalkeeping coach John Achterberg has branded Lionel Messi a &quot;diving c**t&quot; on a recent podcast.

Lionel Messi branded a &apos;diving c**t&apos; in extraordinary tirade by former Liverpool coach after Andy Robertson incident