Manchester City coach Mikel Arteta sparked the post-match row involving Barcelona star Lionel Messi.

The Sun says Messi reacted angrily when he saw Arteta celebrating in the aftermath of Manchester City's 3-1 Champions League triumph on Tuesday night.

Arteta, assistant coach to former Nou Camp boss Pep Guardiola, high-fived with the City players on the touchline after the club's historic first-ever win over the Catalan giants.

But when he took his celebrations inside Messi took exception.

Former Arsenal and Everton midfielder Arteta, 34, who played for the C and B teams of Barca just before Messi arrived at the Nou Camp, was shouting in joy and fist-pumping in the tunnel.

Messi told him to quieten down and is he understood to have said to him in Spanish: “Go and enjoy yourself in the dressing room.

“Do not do this here."

Spanish radio station COPE alleged Messi headed to the City dressing room, yelling “Stupid, come here and show your face, don't hide" before being calmed down by Sergio Aguero.