JAKARTA - Barcelona captain Lionel Messi has only been banned for two games and avoided a harsher penalty for hitting Asier Villalibre of Athletic Bilbao when his team lost in the Spanish Super Cup final on Monday.
According to a Reuters report on Tuesday, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) said Messi had been banned for two games, meaning he would miss the Copa del Rey last 32 tie against Cornella on Friday and La Liga's draw at Elche's home on Sunday.
The 33-year-old player will only be able to return to play in the Spanish league match against Athletic Bilbao on February 1.
Barca said they would appeal the ban.
The six Ballon d'OR winner was sent off at the end of extra time for hitting Villalibre in the face in the Spanish Super Cup final, which Barca lost 2-3.
Messi could face sanctions ranging from four to 12 games if the RFEF competition organizers described the incident as aggression, but instead reported it as "violence during play," which was only rewarded with a two to three match ban.
The red card was Messi's first with Barcelona in 754 matches. He has received two red cards while playing for Argentina, including on his debut in 2005.
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