Unfortunately Messi, Already Lost To Bilbao, Threatened With Suspension Of 4 Matches

Lionel Messi sent off during the match against Athletic Bilbao (Twitter @barcacenter)

JAKARTA - Lionel Messi is facing serious punishment after he was sent off in the Supercopa de Espana final between Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao, Monday, January 18 in the morning. In a match that ended in Bilbao's 3-2 win, Messi hit Asier Villalibre late in the second half of extra time.

Referee Jesus Gil Manzano did not see him in person, but after a VAR review he immediately issued a red card for the Argentine.

It remains to be seen how that will be explained in the referee's report, but it will likely be considered a serious offense and, under Article 98 of the rules, that means Messi will face a penalty of at least four games and a maximum of 12.

The most likely ban is a four-match suspension.

Article 56.8 of the rules makes it clear that any suspension taken at Supercopa will extend to the next domestic match, as happened to Fede Valverde after he was sent off in last year's final.

Messi, then, will miss Barcelona's Copa del Rey midweek clash against Cornella and then one more Copa game if they qualify plus two games in La Liga.

If Barcelona lose in the next round of the Copa, the suspension will be transferred to La Liga for three games.

Launching Marca, this is Messi's first red card in his career or in 753 matches.