Manchester City midfielder Rodri has warned fans not to expect him to single-handedly turn around the club’s fortunes, insisting he is not Lionel Messi.

The Spaniard returned to Pep Guardiola’s starting lineup on Sunday but could not prevent City from falling to a 2-1 defeat at Brighton. The loss leaves the former champions with just three points from their opening three Premier League fixtures.

Speaking after the match, Rodri made it clear that football is a team game, not a one-man show.

“I’m not Messi. I’m not going to come back and make the team win and win,” Rodri said.

“This is a collective; when we won in the past, I needed all my teammates. For sure I have to recover and find my best level. But it’s not because I’m back that we’re going to win. It’s a collective sport.”

City, who have struggled to find consistency this season, will be hoping to bounce back quickly as pressure begins to mount on Guardiola’s side.