Lionel Messi was sent off for the first time in his career in Barcelona in the closing stages of extra time when he lost 3-2 to Athletic Bilbao in the Spanish Super Cup on Sunday.
Messi, who returned to the starting line-up after an injury-related semi-final win over Real Sociedad, was sacked after a last-minute goal from Asier Villalibre.
The Argentine was more positively involved when Barca took the lead five minutes before the break.
Lionel Messi was sent off for whipping Asier Villalibre
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Messi’s shot on goal was blocked and fell at the feet of Antoine Griezmann, who scored the first of his two goals.
Bilbao’s consideration was immediate when Oscar De Marcos hit Inaki Williams’ cross two minutes later to put the teams ahead at halftime.
Raul Garcia had not allowed a VAR header for offside after the restart as Bilbao had better chances in a tense affair.
However, French striker Griezmann seemed to have won it for the Catalans with a goal against the run of the game in 14 minutes, only substitute Villalibre came home in the 90th minute to send the game into extra time.
