Girona defender Pablo Maffeo decided against souveniring Lionel Messi's shirt after defeat to Barcelona yesterday.

Maffeo was handed a man-marking job on the Argentine and impressed.

However, the on-loan Manchester City prospect sought out Barca goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen for his shirt ahead of Messi's.

Maffeo chose the German after a request from a close friend before the game.

"He was very clear that he wanted Ter Stegen's shirt. I was very good with Messi, but my friends are sacred," said Maffeo.