Sergio Aguero plays down Lionel Messi tunnel bust-up with Manchester City player

Sergio Aguero has played down reports in Spain claiming Lionel Messi was involved in a tunnel bust-up with Manchester City players after Barcelona 3-1 defeat to Pep Guardiola's side on Tuesday night (1 November).

The Argentine striker suggested his compatriot ended the game a little angry more so because of the result and the fact he was selected to do an anti-doping test after the match than any bust-up with opposing players.

Cadena Cope reported that a Manchester City player tried to provoke Messi when the players were on their way to the dressing room, with other sources saying that the unnamed player in question even insulted the Barcelona forward.

Later Spanish reports emerged that Messi was so angry that he called the City player 'stupid' and went to the team's dressing room alongside a member of the Barcelona staff to look for the Manchester City player. However, it has been said his friend Aguero calmed the incident down, to avoid a further spat.

But asked by Cadena Ser whether it is true he needed to speak with Messi following the incident in the tunnel, Aguero said: "No, no, someone just told me that. I heard something. I saw Leo and he was a little bit angry but I asked him about that and he told me that nothing happened. Then we were talking. I do not know what happened because I arrived (to the dressing room) late so I have no idea. But in football everything happens. It is not something new. I saw after and he was calm. I think that he was more angry for (having to do) the anti-doping test and also because of the result, but not so angry with someone (from City)."

Yet, Messi eventually had to go Manchester airport on his own because he missed the bus with the rest of the Barcelona teammates due to delays from the doping test.

Meanwhile, Aguero was involved in his own controversy during the game after Barcelona players accused him of assisting Ilkay Gundogan's third goal with his hand. However, the Manchester City striker said that the handball was unintentional.

"Obviously (the ball) took my hand. I will not lie but my intention was always to hit the ball with my chest. The hand was close to the body. Barcelona will surely do that analysis (saying that it was handball) but we also had a penalty in our favour (in the first half) and we did not complain. The referee makes decisions and it was never my intention to touch the ball with my hand," Aguero said before expressing his delight for having secured victory over the La Liga giants.

"We knew we needed the three points. We press very well in the second half and found the goals to win. The important thing is that we compete with a team that every year are favourite to win the competition. I'm happy because we managed get the three points and now we are quieter."