Lionel Messi Somehow Avoids Red Card For Stamp On Diego Llorente

Lionel Messi somehow avoided a straight red card for what looked like a nasty stamp on Real Sociedad's Diego Llorente last night.

The six-time Ballon d'Or winner was booked for the third consecutive game for a late challenge on former Newcastle United midfielder Mikel Merino.

But prior to that, the Argentine was incredibly fortunate to have not seen red for stepping down on Llorente's shin as the 26-year old slid across the turf.

While Messi was off balance and his momentum carried him forward, plenty of fans believed he could have avoided stepping on his opponent's foot.

Not even a foul was given for the action.

Messi would then go and score his 438th La Liga goal from the spot to secure a late 1-0 win at the Nou Camp. But there was controversy in the build-up to the penalty as VAR failed to give take into account Arturo Vidal being in an offside position.

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Topics: Football News, Football, Barcelona, Messi, Lionel Messi, Real Sociedad

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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