Lionel Messi sees red card in the case of Barcelona bankruptcy – suspension threatens

The extra time was running out, it had to be quick for Lionel Messi and FC Barcelona. But again this annoying opponent stood in the way. So the Catalan superstar struck in full swing – and moments later saw the red card, his first for Barcelona in almost 16 years.

Messi’s dismissal was the inglorious end of a bitter duel for Barca in the Spanish Supercup: In Seville it was 2: 3 (2: 2, 1: 1) after extra time against Athletic Bilbao, with the favorite after two goals from Antoine Griezmann up to 90th minute 2: 1 led. But then Asier Villalibre equalized, Inaki Williams (93rd) decided the game in extra time.

Lionel Messi hits his opponent with his elbow

And it was Villalibre who fueled Messi’s anger. One of the last Barca attacks was when the two of them crossed paths far from the ball. Messi hit the opponent with his elbow in the back of the head, the video assistant had seen everything.

Barca coach Ronald Koeman showed indulgence. “I understand what happened,” said the Dutchman. “I don’t know how many fouls you committed. The player tries to dribble and he can’t because he is fouled every time. “

Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman shows understanding for Lionel Messi

Barcelona, ​​the team around the German national goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, had a very shaky start to the season, but had not lost nine games in a row recently. Koeman didn’t want to speak of a “step backwards”: “Titles always show that you are on the right track. But it was only one game and it was the Supercup. We will show in the coming weeks that things are going in the right direction. “

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Messi is now facing a four-game suspension. The superstar, who is considered to be dominated on the field, last saw red at Barça on February 27, 2005 in a game against Peña Sport. In the jersey of the Argentina national team, he was sent off twice: in 2005 against Hungary and in 2019 against Chile. (mp / sid / dpa)

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