Lionel Messi could be hit with 12-game ban for red card in Barcelona’s Super Cup final defeat to Athletic Bilbao

Lionel Messi could be hit with a ban of up to 12 games following his red card in the Spanish Super Cup on Sunday.

Messi was given his marching orders for the first time as a Barcelona player as they lost to Athletic Bilbao.

With Barca trailing 3-2 to Bilbao in extra time, the Argentine was shown a red card, following a VAR review, for appearing to hit Asier Villalibre on the head in an off the ball incident.

Prior to the sending off, Messi had only received two red cards in his professional career while playing for Argentina.

He could be facing an extended ban for his actions, according to the Spanish press.

Marca report that Messi could be slapped with a suspension of up to 12 games because the incident was so serious.

The length of the ban is understood to yet be determined but he will miss this week’s Copa Del Rey tie against Cornella.

If Barcelona are knocked out by the minnows then it will be three LaLiga games he misses unless the ban is extended to the maximum.

Marca also published an article overnight with the headline ‘Messi, you should apologise’.

Missing their star player will be a big blow for Ronald Koeman as his side look to make up the seven point deficit to Atletico Madrid, who also have two games in hand.