LIONEL MESSI was involved in an altercation ‘in the tunnel’ after Barcelona were beaten by Manchester City, according to so-far unconfirmed reports in Spain.
A Manchester City star is reported to have said something to the Barcelona ace – with the Argentine apparently responding by calling him ‘stupid’.
It later emerged that Messi was furious with City coach Mike Arteta, who insists he did nothing to provoke the angry exchange.
Spanish newspapers Marca and Mundo Deportivo have both reported on the incident.
Mundo even report that Messi headed to the City dressing room to look for Arteta.
International team-mate Sergio Aguero, who grabbed an assist in a stunning 3-1 win, is said to have pacified the star.
Messi opened the scoring at the Etihad but Luis Enrique’s team were stunned by a truly brilliant Manchester City performance.
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Ilkay Gundogan struck twice and Kevin De Bruyne scored a stunning free-kick as Pep Guardiola's team fought back in a performance that will go down as one of City's best ever.
Guardiola was clearly delighted.
He said: "When one club like Manchester City is 25 years without being in Europe you have a history.
"History means when you face a big team you are a little not confident to fight face to face. We didn't play against Barcelona - we played against us against our tradition."
The former Barca boss added: "I am happy for City.
"It's normal that these things happen. I am just very happy because we have three points.
"I learned about my players and that they can play on the counter.
"For me especially I am not more happy because I beat a club I love so much."
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