Having received a straight red card for seemingly smacking an Athletic Bilbao player in the face during the Spanish Super Cup final this past weekend, Lionel Messi has now learned what his punishment will be.
Click through the gallery above to see some images of Messi's sending-off.
The 33-year-old received his marching orders in the last minute of extra-time in Barcelona's shock 3-2 loss to Bilbao in the Super Cup final on Sunday.
A frustrated Messi appeared to strike Asier Villalibre as the Bilbao player cut across his path, with the victim saying after the game: "It seemed to me a clear aggression from Messi. I put my body in the way, he got mad and he hit me in the face with his hand."
See the incident below:
Initial speculation suggested that the six-time Ballon d'Or winner could face a potential 12-match ban, but it has since been confirmed that he will only miss two matches.
As a consequence, he will not be available for Barca's Copa del Rey clash with Cornella and their LaLiga game at Elche.
Opponent: Messi Got Angry & Hit Me In Face
This is the first time the Argentine was sent off in his club career, although he has also been shown a red card on two occasions while on duty with his national team.
