Lionel Messi's record against Manchester City

Sports Mole digs a little deeper to discover just how well the six-time Ballon d'Or winner has performed against Man City.

Sports Mole

By Oliver Thomas, Senior Reporter

Published: September 28 2021 | 11:01

Last updated: October 2 2021 | 14:36

Paris Saint-Germain forward Lionel Messi is in contention to feature against Premier League champions Manchester City when the two European giants lock horns in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

The Parisian outfit were frustrated in their opening group game against Club Brugge, drawing 1-1 in Belgium, while the Citizens secured all three points against RB Leipzig with a thrilling 6-3 victory at the Etihad Stadium.

Mauricio Pochettino's side, who have won all eight Ligue 1 matches so far this term, will be hoping they can replicate their domestic form in Group A with the help of summer signing Messi, who has an impressive record against their midweek opponents.

Ahead of Tuesday's showpiece event, Sports Mole digs a little deeper to discover just how well the six-time Ballon d'Or winner has performed against Man City, as well as his former coach Pep Guardiola.

Messi has scored six goals in as many appearances against Man City, including a hat-trick for former club Barcelona during the 2016-17 group stage. Arsenal (9) are the only English team the 34-year-old has scored more goals against.

Barca's 2-1 victory against the Citizens in February 2015 is the only game in which Messi failed to register either a goal or an assist.

The Argentine won his first five games against City before losing his last ever meeting against them in November 2016, when the Catalan club suffered a 3-1 defeat at the Etihad Stadium.

Man City boss Guardiola, who managed Messi at Barcelona for four seasons between 2008 and 2012, will face the legendary forward for the first time since that encounter during the 2016-17 group stage.

Messi has played four times against teams managed by Guardiola, scoring six goals – two against Bayern Munich and four against Man City – which is the most by any player in Champions League history against the Spaniard.

The forward has an exceptional goals record against his former coach, though he has only been on the winning side twice. The pressure will be on PSG at the Parc des Princes as they seek their first win in this year's Champions League, with expectations high for Messi to shine on the big stage once again.