Lionel Messi Receives First Barcelona Red Card
Written by MAX FM on January 18, 2021
Lionel Messi was shown the first red card of his Barcelona career after he lashed out at Sunday’s defeat.
Near the end of the Spanish Super Cup final, Messi played a pass and took a swing at Asier Villalibre. Referee Gil Manzano missed the incident at first but upon a VAR review, showed Messi a straight red card.
It was the first red card Messi has ever received as a Barcelona player, coming in his 753rd appearance for the club.
The incident capped another frustrating episode in the Catalans’ season as they were unable to close out the silverware, having twice led.
Antoine Griezmann continued his recent revival by finding the net twice. Indeed, their second equalizer came in the 90th minute of the game.
In extra time, Inaki Williams struck before Messi saw red in the 121st minute.
Lionel could now face at least a four-game ban for his actions, depending on a review.
That means at a minimum the Argentine could miss his side’s Copa del Rey tie against Cornella on Thursday. La Liga matches against Elche, Athletic Club and Real Betis.
The Catalans are third in the league, seven points behind Atletico Madrid.
Though Sunday saw Messi sent off for the first time with Barca, it was not his first red card.
He has been dismissed for Argentina on two occasions, including famously on his international debut, which lasted just a minute before he was sent off as a substitute.
His other red card came in the 2019 Copa America third-place play-off when he was dismissed while serving as captain of his side. Despite his absence, Argentina won 2-1.
