Erling Haaland's resentment over failing to complete a hat-trick against West Ham, according to Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, reminded him of Lionel Messi.

The Premier League champions opened their title defense with a 2-0 victory at the London Stadium, with Haaland scoring both goals.

On his City debut, the Norwegian striker scored twice after converting a penalty in the opening period and catching Kevin De Bruyne's pass.

In a post-game interview, Haaland said it was "a bit s***" that he couldn't add another goal to his tally before being replaced late in the game.

However, Guardiola claimed that the player's response was what he would anticipate from a top player.

The presence of [Lionel] Messi was fortunate for me.

He wants three when he scores two; when he scores three, he wants four. The best athletes are all the same.

Guardiola stated that his players "are never satisfied, always hungry, starving for goals, and want more, but at the same time, I have to use other players."