It was the first time in 754 matches that Lionel Messi had been sent off for Barcelona. He has received two red cards while playing for Argentina, including on his debut back in 2005. After passing the ball out to the left flank, Messi swung his right arm at the head of Athletic forward Asier Villalibre as they ran toward the box. Villalibre immediately fell to the ground.
Lionel Messi picked up the first red card of his Barcelona career against Athletic Bilbao. (Photo: Reuters)
