Messi banned for two matches after historic Barca red

The Argentine ahead was proven a pink card on the finish of Sunday’s Three-2 extra-time defeat to Athletic Bilbao within the Spanish Tremendous Cup last after lashing out at Asier Villalibre.

Messi had twice been despatched off taking part in for Argentina, together with on the 2019 Copa America, however by no means in 16 years and 753 matches with Barcelona’s first group.

The six time Ballon d’Or winner’s ban was introduced by the Spanish Soccer Federation.

Messi shook off a thigh drawback to begin in Seville and was required to play all 120 minutes as Barca tried to take the sport to penalties.

As an alternative, the 33-year-old misplaced his mood on the finish of a combative contest, reacting to a late problem from Villalibre by swiping his fingers throughout the again of his opponent.

Messi was red-carded 15 years in the past for Barca however it was with the reserves in a 3rd division match, based on Spanish statistician Alexis Martin-Tamayo.

Ronald Koeman’s facet face third-tier Cornella away within the Copa del Rey on Thursday and Elche on Sunday in La Liga the place they’re positioned third, with Messi lacking each video games.

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