Messi gets two-match ban after historic Barca red
Lionel Messi was handed a two-match ban on Tuesday following his first ever sending off for Barcelona.
The Argentine forward was shown a red card at the end of Sunday’s 3-2 extra-time defeat to Athletic Bilbao in the Spanish Super Cup final after lashing out at Asier Villalibre.
Messi had twice been sent off playing for Argentina, including at the 2019 Copa America, but never in 16 years and 753 matches with Barcelona’s first team.
The six time Ballon d’Or winner’s ban was announced by the Spanish Football Federation.
Messi shook off a thigh problem to start in Seville and was required to play all 120 minutes as Barca attempted to take the game to penalties.
Deux matches de suspension pour Messi
laliberte.ch - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from laliberte.ch Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Le Nouvelliste - Foot: deux matches de suspension pour Messi après son exclusion en Supercoupe
lenouvelliste.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from lenouvelliste.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Spanish Super Cup final: Lionel Messi gets first ever Barcelona red card as Bilbao lift trophy
Moments before Bilbao’s momentous triumph was confirmed, Messi threw an arm at Asier Villalibre, who had earlier scored a 90th-minute equaliser in normal time. Jan 18, 2021 · 09:34 am Lionel Messi leaves the pitch after being presented a red card during the Spanish Super Cup final football match between FC Barcelona and Athletic Club Bilbao | AFP
Lionel Messi was sent off for the first time playing for Barcelona as Athletic Bilbao stunned the Catalans to win the Spanish Super Cup on Sunday, a dramatic final finishing 3-2 after extra-time.