Messi slammed 2-match ban after red card saga

The captain of Barcelona Football Club, Lionel Messi has handed a two-domestic-match ban following the red card slammed on him during the Supercopa de Espana final against Athletic Bilbao.

Athletic Bilbao defeated the Catalans 3-2 in the encounter.

ElombahNews reported on Monday that the Barcelona captain received the first red card of his career as he swung an arm at Villalibre’s head in frustration in the dying moments of the clash.

Inaki Williams’s brilliant strike in extra time earned Athletic Bilbao the win over FC Barcelona in the Super Cup final on Sunday which saw Messi sent off in the final stages.

The Basque side grabbed a last-minute equalizer through Asier Villalibre to tie the game at 2-2 and force an extra 30 minutes.

Antoine Griezmann had sent FC Barcelona ahead and restored their advantage with goals either side of Oscar de Marcos’s equalizer.

Williams smashed into the top right corner from the edge of the penalty box three minutes into the additional period and Athletic Bilbao held on to win the trophy at Seville’s La Cartuja stadium.

Messi was dismissed in the 119th minute of the game after he struck Villalibre in an off-the-ball incident.

The action was spotted by the VAR, and referee Jesus Gil Manzano subsequently showed him the red.

Complete Sports reported that it was the first time he has been sent off for the club and only the third red card in his entire 17-year career for Barca and Argentina.

Reports in Spain had suggested an extended ban could be imposed on Messi.

A statement by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) confirmed on Tuesday that he will be suspended for Barca’s next two games.

He will, therefore, miss the Copa del Rey game against Cornella and the league trip to Elche but will return in time for another tussle with Villalibre and Athletic on January 31.

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