Manchester City hero Sergio Aguero will put his relationship with “great friend” Lionel Messi on ice when the Blues meet Spanish giants Barcelona in the Champions League round of 16.

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The clash between the two clubs was the pick of last month’s draw, pitting the Premier League holders against the star-studded Catalans. 

A highlight of the two ties – which begin with Barca travelling to the Etihad Stadium on February 24 – will be the battle between the Argentine hit men.

Aguero and Messi formed a strong bond and deadly partnership coming up through the La Albiceleste ranks, posting notice of their potential when claiming gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

They have since developed into two of world football’s deadliest forwards, Messi breaking virtually every Barca scoring record while Aguero has registered an impressive 66 goals in 101 Premier League appearances for City following a £38 million move (Dh211.6m) from Atletico Madrid in July 2011.

“It is a very important game for me,” the 26-year-old said at an event to announce Nissan as City Football Group’s official automotive partner in Abu Dhabi yesterday.

“There will be a great friend of mine on the field, but the second we step on the field the friendliness disappears.

“The game is not just important for me but it is important for the whole team. The club is investing a lot to get to the highest level. 

“We cannot underestimate the fact it will be a tough game.”

City recovered from gaining two points from their opening four group games to make the knockout stages. This continued an upwards trend which began with Abu Dhabi United Group’s 2008 takeover.

More than £500m (Dh2.78 billion) has since been spent by the ambitious owners, with midfielder Frank Lampard declaring this outlay must lead to success in “the best competition in world football”.

“It is a fantastic game to play against Barcelona,” the 36-year-old said. “A club like Manchester City has to be winning the Champions League, it is what they are trying to do with the squad we have.

“The Champions League is the best competition in world football.”