Lionel Messi asked Man City loanee Pablo Maffeo if he was from the Etihad in win over Girona
The Spanish defenders man-marking of Lionel Messi led him to ask various questions as Barcelona beat Girona 3-0
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MANCHESTER CITY loanee Pablo Maffeo has revealed he was quizzed by Lionel Messi during the La Liga game on Saturday.
As Barcelona won a comfortable 3-0 away victory over Girona, Messi asked Maffeo how old he was and if he was on loan from Man City.
Maffeo who is currently enjoying his third season on loan, successfully man-marked Barca's Lionel Messi.
The Spanish defender made 27 appearances for Girona in their last campaign as they secured promotion to the Spanish top flight.
In a post-match interview, Maffeo revealed that Messi had said to him: "I've got you here for the whole game, haven't I?"
"He [Messi] asked me a couple of things, like if I was loaned by City and how old I was."
"It was all good."
The 20-year-old also revealed that he had been given a task from his coach to directly limit Messi's influence in the game.
Despite Girona still losing to Barcelona, Maffeo's antics had definitely caught Messi's attention.
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He added: "I had to mark him and I had to be close to him and not watch the ball."
"It is difficult, not just from a football perspective, but also psychologically."
"I appreciate the trust the coach placed in me."
Barcelona made it six out of six wins in the La Liga victory against Girona.
Girona will be disappointed with the defeat as they scored not one but two own goals for their visitors.
Girona, who are co-owned by Manchester City, played five City loanees in the game.