WATCH: Manchester City loan starlet Pablo Maffeo man-marks Lionel Messi during Girona's defeat by Barcelona

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Barcelona may have eased to a resounding 3-0 win over Girona at the weekend, but Ernesto Valverde's La Liga pace-setters did not have everything entirely their own way.

Own-goals either side of half-time set the visitors on their way before Luis Suarez wrapped up victory, their sixth in six so far this season.

With a four-point cushion at the top already cemented, Barca have made a flawless start in the pursuit of regaining their crown from Real Madrid.

Scroll down for video. 

Pablo Maffeo was charged with man-marking Lionel Messi in Girona's defeat by Barcelona

The Argentine had scored 11 times in his previous five La Liga appearances this season

The Spanish right-back kept a close eye on his illustrious opponent and stopped him scoring

But another subplot emerged from their win on Saturday - the performance of 20-year-old Girona right-back Pablo Maffeo.

The Spaniard, on loan for a third season with the club from Manchester City, was handed the task of man-marking Lionel Messi.

And Maffeo not only avoided being embarrassed by the Argentine playmaker, but in fact he emerged from the game with some credit.

A video has surfaced online of the Spain youth international keeping his more illustrious opponent on a tight leash, matching him for speed and doing his best to hassle and harry.

The 20-year-old is on loan for a third consecutive season at Girona from Manchester City

The Spaniard showed a burst of speed to keep pace with Messi as he looked to break free

At one point he was awarded a yellow card for a cynical tug on Messi's shirt, but he seemed to make a significant impression on the five-time Ballon d'Or winner as they embraced after the final whistle.

His performance also caught the attention of parent-club boss Pep Guardiola, who lauded the loan system for giving Maffeo the opportunity to hone his skills against the world's best. 

The Manchester City boss said: 'I've always said that Premier League second teams don't compete very well at that level. They need this kind of competition.

'If they can't play in the first team, they need to go to other leagues like the Netherlands and Spain and be in those big games playing against players like Messi. That is the best way to improve.

'Young players like Pablo Maffeo and others must play and the sooner they reach this level of competition the better for them to take a step forward and become better players.'

The opponents share a quiet conversation during the league match on Saturday

The City youngster was shown a yellow card before being substituted 12 minutes from time

Maffeo revealed post-match that he didn't even ask Messi for his shirt after the game, because of a promise to a friend.

He is quoted by The Express as saying: 'A friend of mine wanted Ter Stegen's shirt so I asked the goalkeeper. Messi is the best in the world, but friends come first.'

After scoring 11 times in his previous five, Maffeo succeeded where others had failed in keeping the Barca star quiet. He revealed all about his experience after the game. 

Maffeo said: 'He [Messi] asked me a couple of things, like if I was loaned by City and how old I was. It was all good.'

He added: 'I had to mark him and I had to be close to him and not watch the ball,' he said.

'It is difficult, not just from a football perspective, but also psychologically.

'I appreciate the trust the coach placed in me.' 

Maffeo didn't even ask Messi for his shirt after the game, because of a promise made to a friend