Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho has said reports he provoked Barcelona's Lionel Messi in the aftermath of his side's 3-1 win on Tuesday are "absurd."
Cadena Cope claimed Messi confronted an unnamed City player after the latter had provoked him as both teams left the pitch following the match at the Etihad Stadium.
The Spanish radio station reported that Messi allegedly shouted, "stupid, come here and show your face, don't hide" as the City player in question rushed into the changing room.
On Wednesday, City denied reports of an altercation in the tunnel, a club source told ESPN FC, and Fernandinho has echoed that stance.