Barcelona- Lionel Messi

It was reported in Spain late on Tuesday night that an unknown City player had provoked Messi in the tunnel at the Etihad Stadium after Barcelona were beaten 3-1 by Pep Guardiola's side.

City striker Sergio Aguero was supposed to have acted as peacemaker as Messi angrily made his way towards the home dressing room, according to the reports, although Aguero himself insisted “it was nothing serious. I heard something but I don’t know what happened”.

De Bruyne opened the scoring with a clever free-kick as Guardiola's men maintained their perfect start to the Premier League season at the Etihad Stadium.

Guardiola has worked with a number of high-profile stars throughout his career such as Arjen Robben, Andres Iniesta and Xavi.

And the Spaniard has named Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi as the best player he has ever worked with, but says De Bruyne is right behind him.