Barca’s Messi sees red as Bilbao claim Super Cup glory

The Argentine had been heavily involved in a more positive way as Barca took the lead five minutes before the break.

Lionel Messi was sent off for the first time in his Barcelona career in the closing stages of extra time as they lost 3-2 to Athletic Bilbao in the Spanish Super Cup on Sunday.

Messi, who returned to the starting lineup after missing the semi-final victory over Real Sociedad through injury, was dismissed after striking Asier Villalibre in the final minute.

The Argentine had been heavily involved in a more positive way as Barca took the lead five minutes before the break.

Messi’s goalbound effort was blocked, falling to the feet of Antoine Griezmann, who netted the first of his two goals.

Bilbao’s responded as Oscar De Marcos met Inaki Williams’ cross two minutes later to send the sides in level at halftime.

Raul Garcia’s header was disallowed for offside by VAR after the restart as Bilbao had the better chances in a tense affair.

However, French forward Griezmann…

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