Guardiola dismisses bust-up claims

Cape Town - Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has dismissed reports of a bust-up between first-team coach Mikel Arteta and Barcelona star Lionel Messi on Tuesday night.

The Citizens avenged their earlier defeat to the Spanish giants as goals from Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne secured a 3-1 victory at the Etihad Stadium.

However, the match ended on a sour note after a reported bust-up between Arteta and Messi in the tunnel, although it had previously been suggested that Fernandinho had been involved in a heated exchange with the Argentina international.

And Guardiola has expressed his doubts over the latest claims, saying he does not believe Arteta's reported involvement in the altercation.

"Arteta admires the Barcelona players, the club and Messi. Knowing Mikel like I do, he is one of the nicest people I've ever met in my life," Guardiola told reporters.

"I find it impossible that he could be involved in a conflict with another equally wonderful person like Messi. It is impossible.

"The other day it was Fernandinho, now it is Arteta. Let's see who it will be tomorrow. It might finally be me."