Breaking: Lionel Messi sees first red card of Barcelona career

Breaking: Lionel Messi sees first red card of Barcelona career

Babajide Orevba
updated at April 12, 2023 at 7:50 PM
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- Lionel Messi was shown his first red card in the colours of Barcelona in his 753rd game

- The Argentine shrugged-off Asier Villalibre during the encounter as they lost 3-2

- Barcelona have now failed to win the Spanish Super Cup in Ronald Koeman's first season as manager

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Lionel Messi has been shown his first-ever red card in the colours of Barcelona as the Catalan giants were beaten 3-2 in Spanish Super Cup final.

It was the Argentine’s 753rd game for the club, however, it was not his first-ever career red card in a game which stretched into extra-time.

As the match approached the closing stages, Messi’s path was crossed by Asier Villalibre and it took the six-time Ballon d’Or winner a push to take the player off the way.

Following the incident, centre referee Gil Manzano who had missed the incident was called for a VAR review and upon replay, the official showed Messi straight red.

The situation is coming in a frustrating season for the 33-year-old who earlier tendered his transfer request at the club as they are now unable to take any silverware in two seasons.

Antoine Griezmann continued his recent revival by finding the net twice only for Oscar de Marcos and Villalibre to reply for the Basques. Indeed, their second equaliser came in the 90th minute of the game.

Breaking: Lionel Messi sees first red card of Barcelona career as Atletic Bilbao knock Catalans out of Spanish Super Cup
Lionel Messi sent off in a game for the first time in his Barcelona career. Photo: Quality Sport
Source: Getty Images

In extra time, Iniaki Williams struck before Messi saw red in the 121st minute.

Further reports from Spain claim that Messi could be issued another four-game ban depending on the Spanish FA subject to their review of the case.

Consequently, he could now miss Barcelona’s Copa del Rey clash with Cornella on Thursday, January 21 as well as league games against Elche, Athletic Club and Real Betis.

The Catalans are presently third in the Primera Division, though seven points back of leaders Atletico Madrid having played two games more.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that Barcelona and Lionel Messi will be forced to pay the fines slapped on them over the Argentine's touching tributes to legendary Diego Maradona in November.

The 1986 World Cup winner was confirmed dead in the 11th month and his death threw the entire football world into mourning.

Football stars both active and retired paid their last respect to the late attacker who made name for himself in Europe during his reign with Napoli and the Catalans.

This, however, led the six-time Ballon d'Or winner to reproduce one of the 60-year-old's celebrations after netting a stunning goal against Osasuna two months back.

3 interesting footballing moments between Maradona and Nigeria | Legit TV

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Babajide Orevba photo
Babajide Orevba
Babajide Orevba is a CAF accredited Nigerian journalist and HOD of the Local Desk with over 10 years of experience in media landscape.He studied NCE Political Science/Social Studies, AOCOED.
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