Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi reacts after missing a goal opportunity during the UEFA Champions League group G football match between Barcelona and Juventus at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on December 8, 2020. (Photo by Josep LAGO / AFP)
The Argentine superstar was slapped with the suspension following the red card he picked up in Barça’s Supercopa Espana defeat to Athletic Bilbao on Sunday (January 17).
Messi swung a punch at Athletic Bilbao striker Asier Villalibre during the heated contest and was promptly dismissed. His ban could have ranged anywhere between two and 12 matches – although fewer than four was always the most likely outcome.
Barcelona news had focused on the club appealing the length of the ban if it was three or more games, as per Marca, but that will no longer be necessary.
Messi will sit out this week’s Copa del Rey clash against Segunda B outfit Cornella while he will also miss the league trip to struggling Elche next weekend. He will return to the fold for the subsequent La Liga match, ironically against Athletic Bilbao.
It was the player’s first red card for the Blaugrana in his 753rd appearance for the club.
Africa was on top of the Golden Trail World Series (GTWS) this weekend after stunning…
Running royalty is heading to Cape Town next month to race the Sanlam Cape Town…
Lloyd Bosman finally brought the Gun Run to Pacaltsdorp with an emphatic victory in the…
Philani ‘PK’ Sengce defended his OUTsurance Gun Run Trail title in perfect Cape Town spring…
Over the years, African players have been key to the performances of the world's top…
Two under-the-radar runners came up trumps in big ultra-trail races at home and abroad, both…