Erling Haaland: Fans Notice Possible Reason Why Pep Guardiola Substituted Five Goal Hero

• Erling Haaland was close to scoring a rare double hat-trick for Manchester City against Leipzig
• However, coach Pep Guardiola hooked him off early in the second half to bring on Julian Alvarez
• Football fans believe the Spanish manager subbed Haaland to protect Lionel Messi's record

Football fans on social media could not get their head around Pep Guardiola's decision to hook off Erling Haaland in Manchester City's 7-0 thrashing of RB Leipzig on Tuesday.

On the night, Haaland scored five goals with only 30 touches on the ball, with his hat-trick being completed before half time.

But the 22-year-old goal machine was yearning for more goals after he provided clinical finishes with either foot after rebounds.

Scoring five goals in the Champions League round of 16 means the Norwegian forward's goal tally increased to 39, meaning he has broken the previous record for goals scored by a Man City player in a single season.

The little-known Mbappe record Haaland broke after masterclass vs Leipzig

Football

But in resting his legs, Guardiola denied the lethal striker the chance to achieve another special milestone in his young career.

Haaland was hooked off in the 63rd minute for Julian Alvarez, meaning he would not score a rare double hat-trick and ultimately, would not write his name in the Champions League history books.

In the history of Europe's biggest club competition, no player has ever netted six times in a single game.

With 30 minutes to go, Haaland was destined to become the first player to do so but fans believe Guardiola substituted the Norwegian to protect Lionel Messi's record.

The Argentine notched an impressive five goals for Barcelona against hapless Bayer Leverkusen in 2012 at Camp Nou and coincidentally, Guardiola was at the helm of affairs of the Catalans.

Guardiola explains why he 'denied' Erling Haaland chance to break Messi's record

Football

Fans react to Haaland substitution

@gyaigyimii tweeted:

"Pep subbed Haaland to protect Messi's record."

Messilizer posted:

"Pep Guardiola if you truly are a ride or die Messi fan you will sub off Haaland RIGHT NOW"

@RoyNemer said:

"Pep is Lionel Messi's biggest fan. The Haaland substitution confirms it."

@danny_idy posted:

"Pep Guardiola taking Haaland off before he shatters Messi's record...We know what you are Pep"

@the_marcoli_boy tweeted:

"Pep subbing Haaland off to prevent him from breaking Messi's record is why he will never win a UCL with City and get sacked"

Why Pep substituted Haaland

Erling Haaland had a subtle 'argument' with Pep Guardiola after he was substituted off in their huge win over RB Leipzig on March 14, Sports Brief also reported.

Man City put seven past their German opposition to progress to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League, with the Norwegian striker grabbing five goals.

Haaland was withdrawn after the hour mark to a standing ovation from the Etihad Stadium faithful and his manager, who congratulated him on his performance.