Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has revealed the major difference between Erling Haaland and former Barcelona star Lionel Messi.

Guardiola said: “Haaland is always happy, always smiling. Lionel Messi scored two but not three and was a bit sad because he didn’t score the third! Erling is all the time in an incredible mood.

“Even in the bad moments at the beginning of this season when people said he couldn’t adapt, he arrived at training with a big smile and said hi to everyone. He has had an incredible impact, not just on the pitch.

“Every day in training sessions, in the locker room. I have the feeling that he is so happy with us. He never complains about [being taken off]. He respects me a lot.

“After Burnley, he was injured and couldn’t play against Liverpool, so we know him and have to take care of him. He can score important goals and win games. He is going to play 90 minutes but with this amount of games every three days, and you have another weapon in Julian [Alvarez], who is always ready. That’s why it is a big boost for us.”

Haaland has been sensational since he joined the Citizens from Borussia Dortmund last summer. He has scored 44 goals already for Manchester City in all competitions.