Carlos Tevez denies Lionel Messi rift

Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez has stated that he has "a good relationship" with Barcelona forward Lionel Messi, amid recent speculation of a rift between the two players.

Reports in Argentina had seemed to suggest that the 28-year-old did not get along with Messi, but Tevez has moved quickly to quell the rumours.

"Here people say that it is either Tevez or Messi and it does not have to be like that, because I get on great with the dwarf," Tevez told Fox Sports.

"Those people are wrong, he is a kid who does not talk much and I do not like when people say that we do not get on. I have a good relationship with him.

"It is easy to play with him. How could it be any different? If he has the ball, he has three players marking him. He is the greatest."

Tevez is due to return to City on Tuesday.