Man City star Fenandinho denies role in Messi spat after Barca loss

Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho has refuted suggestions that he was involved in a spat with 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”.

On Wednesday afternoon it was claimed in Globo Esporte that Fernandinho was the instigator of the alleged fracas, but the Brazilian wasted little time in tweeting his version of events.

“I don’t know where the rumours and discussion about my role in the provocation of Messi came from,” he said.

“I just want to say that the rumours that are circulating in the media are absurd: I didn’t even have contact with any Barcelona players or technical staff after the game.

“Instigating and provoking are not in my nature, bearing in mind that I put a lot of importance on showing respect both on and off the pitch, regardless of the opposition or player in question.”