Messi’s ban confirmed after red card against Athletic Bilbao

Barcelona’s talisman, Lionel Messi, has received a two-match ban on Tuesday, following his first ever red card for the club.

Messi was sent off in the dying seconds of Sunday’s 3-2 extra-time defeat to Athletic Bilbao in the Spanish Super Cup final, after lashing out at Asier Villalibre.

The 33-year-old had twice been sent off playing for Argentina, including at the 2019 Copa America, but never in 16 years and 753 matches with Barcelona’s first team.

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

Ronald Koeman’s side face third-tier Cornella away in the Copa del Rey on Thursday and Elche on Sunday in La Liga where they are placed third.

Messi will miss both games.