Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta says Argentine fans love Carlos Tevez more than Barcelona star Lionel Messi.
Tevez hit a hat-trick in victory over West Bromwich Albion yesterday.
Zabaleta told City's website: "Everyone in Argentina loves Carlos, because they know where he came from and how hard he battled to become one of the best footballers in the world.
"Lionel Messi has become more famous around the world, but the people back home knew and loved Carlos long before.
"Carlos played for a number of years for Boca Juniors before moving to England, whereas Messi left Argentina when he was 12 to live in Spain."
