Guardiola Salutes Messi After Champions League loss

Pep Guardiola admitted it would have been impossible to control Lionel Messi for the full game after the Argentinian helped sink Manchester City in the Champions League.

The six-time world player of the year scored his first Paris St Germain goal as the French side avenged their loss in last season’s semi-finals with a 2-0 group stage victory on Tuesday.

Messi had been doubtful ahead of the game but proved his fitness with a stunning goal after 74 minutes of a compelling clash at the Parc des Princes, adding to Idrissa Gana Gueye’s early strike.

Pochettino was quick to point out, however, that Messi’s goal capped a fine team performance.

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He said: “You need this type of performance for a player like him to be able to score goals and fill the net.

“Victories are always a collective and from the team. It is a team sport. The victory comes against one of the best teams in the world and one of the best managers. It is obviously a very good result and I am very happy.”

The result ignited PSG’s challenge in Group A after their opening draw against Club Brugge and lifted them above City.

Pochettino said: “The three points are really important. It wasn’t easy when City played really well but we managed to be really offensive and score two goals. I am pretty happy.”