Pep Guardiola says it is "impossible" Mikel Arteta was at the centre of an alleged tunnel row with Lionel Messi on Tuesday, reports Sky Sports.

Spanish press reported this week that Messi reacted to an insult hurled by an unnamed Manchester City player in the aftermath of Barcelona's Champions League defeat at the Etihad.

Fernandinho and Messi's friend Sergio Aguero both denied any role, and Guardiola's assistant Arteta was later named as the City man involved.

But speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday's game against Middlesbrough, Guardiola said, "I spoke to Arteta - it's impossible that incident happened. He admires Messi and Barcelona a lot."