Despite Erling Haaland's unbelievable hat-trick against Manchester United on Sunday, Pep Guardiola caused a stir when he was asked about the similarities between the Norwegian forward and ex-Barcelona No. 10 Lionel Messi.
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During the Spaniard's time in charge of the Blaugrana between 2008 and 2012, the Argentine scored a staggering 211 goals in 219 appearances across all competitions.
As a result, with Haaland having scored 14 times in eight Premier League games since the 2022/23 season began, early comparisons to the Barcelona icon have been made when it comes to the Norwegian's incredible form in front of goal.
At the weekend, after Haaland struck three times in Manchester City's 6-3 win over United, Guardiola was asked if he gets the feeling the former Borussia Dortmund star will score in every game much like Messi did under the tactician in Spain.
The 51-year-old, in response, said he believes the key difference is that the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner could produce moments of magic single-handedly, perhaps unlike City's No. 9.
"The difference is, maybe, that Erling needs all his mates to do it. It is unbelievable," he said, according to journalist Roy Nemer.
"[But] Messi had the ability himself to do it."
Haaland has now hit the back of the net on 17 occasions in all competitions since making his City debut, and assisted a further three strikes.
On Sunday, the 22-year-old became the first player in Premier League history to score three consecutive hat-tricks at home, while he is also the fastest player to score three EPL trebles, doing so in eight appearances.
Michael Owen previously held the record after he scored three hat-tricks in 48 appearances.
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