Highlights:
- The great Argentine footballer, Lionel Messi, gets sent back after landing a red card against Athletic Club
- After over 750 appearances for FC Barcelona, Messi gets red card just on one occasion
- Read about Messi’s first-ever red card in his career
The great Argentine, Lionel Messi, who has played more than 750 games for the goliath Spanish club FC Barcelona finally received a red card, however, it was not the first red card of his career.
During the match against Athletic Club on Monday, Lionel Messi was handed a red card by the match referee Gil Manzano during the extra time of the match which ended in defeat for the Catalans 3-2.
Also Read: 40 Football Facts You Should Know
Close to the final whistle of the Spanish Super Cup final, Lionel Messi played a pass and subsequently took a swing at Asier Villalibre as the Athletic forward ran across his path.
Initially, match referee Gil Manzano missed the incident, however, when he took a look at the VAR review (Video Assistant Referees), he straightaway showed the 33 year old Argentine a red card for his violent conduct.
Coming for his 753rd appearance for the club, it was the first time Messi was handed a red card as a Barcelona player in all competitions.
This incident capped yet another frustrating page in the season for the Catalans as they failed to close out the silverware which he twice led.
The 29 year old Frenchman, Antoine Griezmann, continued his revival as he managed to find the back of the net twice in the match, however, Oscar de Marcos and Villalibre replied for the Basques.
Indeed, their second equaliser came in the 90th minute of the game.
During the extra time of the match, Inaki Williams struck before Messi saw the red in the 121st minute of the game.
Messi could very well face at least a 4 match ban for his actions in the match, depending on the review from the Spanish Football Association.
This meant that the Argentine, at minimum, could miss his side’s Copa del Rey tie against Cornella on Friday, and also three La Liga matches which are against Elche, Athletic Club and Real Betis.
Currently, FC Barcelona finds themselves sitting at 3rd position in the Primera Division, seven points back of leaders Atletico Madrid who also enjoy a 2 game advantage over them.
Back to Messi, though on Monday people saw Messi getting a red card for the first time in Barcelona’s jersey, it was not the first red card of his career.
He has received the red card on two occasions while wearing the Argentinian jersey.
The very first came in when he made his international debut, he was sent off one minute into the game after he was substituted in. His second red card came in 2019 Copa America’s third-place play-off when he was sent off while serving as the captain of his side. Though he missed the game, Argentina won 2-1.
