Lionel Messi sees red as Barcelona lose Super cup final to Bilbao

Athletic Bilbao 3-2 Barceona: Lionel Messi sees red as Barcelona lose Super cup final to Bilbao

Lionel Messi was sent off with seconds remaining in their 3-2 Super Cup defeat to Bilbao on Sunday. (Photo credit: Sky Sports)

For the first time in the illustrious career of Lionel Messi, the Argentine playmaker saw red in Barcelona colors at the closing stages of their cup final loss to Real Madrid conquerors, Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.

 

Bilbao beat Barcelona 3-2 after extra time on a tempestuous and tense night.

 

Messi, who returned to the starting lineup after missing the semifinal 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 goal-bound effort was blocked, falling to the feet of French forward, Antoine Griezmann, who netted the first of his two goals on the night and would have thought that was enough to send Barcelona to the break on top but Bilbao had other ideas.

 

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

 

Raul Garcia, who netted a brace against Real Madrid in the semifinal had a header disallowed for offside by VAR after the restart as Bilbao enjoyed the better chances in a tense affair.

 

However, French forward Griezmann looked to have won it for the Catalans with a goal against the run of play 14 minutes from time, only for substitute Villalibre to volley home in the 90th minute to send the game into the extra period.

Three minutes into the additional half hour Williams curled a stunning effort into the far corner from the edge of the box to win the match for Marcelino Garcia's side.

The victory brought a third Supercopa title for the Basque side and their first silverware since they claimed the same trophy in 2015 with a 5-1 aggregate win over Barca.

Watch the full match highlights below: