Manchester City's Pablo Zabaleta 'not speaking' to Barcelona star Lionel Messi

Manchester City's Pablo Zabaleta has revealed that he has temporarily cut contact with Argentina teammate Lionel Messi ahead of tonight's Champions League last-16 clash against Barcelona.

The two sides will meet for a second consecutive year in the knockout phase of the tournament, but Zabaleta has not spoken to Messi since the draw was made.

"No, we haven't spoken because there is nothing to say," the Daily Star quotes Zabaleta as saying. "I'm just going to see him on Tuesday.

"I always wish the best to Messi, but once the game starts, we are friends no more. We have know each other for a long time, but once you play these games for 90 minutes you are not friends."

City will host the first leg at the Etihad Stadium this evening.