Audio By Carbonatix
Lionel Messi was shown the first red card of his Barcelona career as they lost to Athletic Bilbao in the Spanish Super Cup final.
Messi, in his 753rd appearance for Barca, swung at Asier Villalibre in the final seconds of extra time - an incident spotted by the VAR.
Barca led twice through Antoine Griezmann but Oscar de Marcos and Villalibre, in the final minute, scored as Athletic replied each time.
Inaki Williams scored a fine winner.
The game in Seville was set to be remembered as an entertaining encounter and for Athletic's second trophy since 1985 until the late drama.
Messi lashed out at goalscorer Villalibre off the ball in the 120th minute. The referee missed the clash at the time before viewing it on the VAR screen and dismissing Messi.
The 33-year-old had only been sent off twice before, both for Argentina - on his international debut against Hungary in 2005 and in the 2019 Copa America third-place play-off against Chile.
Latest Stories
-
NPP North East Regional Secretary Declares bid for chairman position, says he’s tried and tested
5 minutes -
Bus fares, rent, and school fees push Ghana’s inflation to 5.3% in June
10 minutes -
WANEP urges stronger youth inclusion in West Africa’s political decision-making
11 minutes -
GES debunks viral claim that floodwaters destroyed WASSCE papers
14 minutes -
Mindful Governance brings Karl George MBE’s AI Wake-Up Call to Ghana’s boards
18 minutes -
Solomon Owusu accuses South African government of backing attacks on Ghanaians
27 minutes -
Finance Ministry releases GH¢350 million for flood relief and mitigation following Mahama directive
59 minutes -
Flood-hit Ghana Digital Centres says staff not dismissed, contracts only temporarily suspended
1 hour -
No severe rainfall expected today, but showers likely over weekend – GMet
1 hour -
Today’s front pages: Thursday, July 2, 2026
2 hours -
Finance Ministry credits GH¢350m to flood relief and mitigation accounts
2 hours -
GMTF advances rollout of Medicines List to improve access to specialised treatment
2 hours -
Mahama rallies traditional leaders for Free Primary Healthcare policy
2 hours -
We are losing huge capital, amidst debts and hypertension – Takoradi market traders lament
2 hours -
Fair Wages Commission pledges 90% reduction in strikes
3 hours