Lionel Messi Sees First Red Card of Barcelona Career as Athletic Bilbao Knock Catalans out of Spanish Super Cup

Lionel Messi saw the first ever red card of his Barcelona career in their shock 3-2 Supercopa de Espana final defeat to Athletic Bilbao.

Messi was sent off in the 120th minute as Barça lost 3-2 after extra-time and is now facing a suspension for what was his first-ever red card for the Catalan club.

After competing for the ball with Asier Villalibre, Messi swung an arm at the Athletic player. The referee didn't see it but reviewed it on the screen and deemed it a dismissal.

It was Messi's first red card in 753 games for Barça and the third of his career. He was sent off for Barça B against Peña Sport and also on his debut for the Argentina national team.

As a result of Messi's red card, he's open to a suspension of between four to 12 games as it's considered an act of serious foul play by the RFEF. The ban could be served in the Copa del Rey and in La Liga.

Barca coach Ronald Koeman said afterwards: "I understand what [Messi] did [at the red card].

"I don't know how many fouls they committed against him. He tries to dribble and can't.

"Do I forgive him? I need to see the incident."