Lionel Messi was booked for the third game in a row during Barcelona's clash against Real Sociedad on Saturday evening.The Argentinian was shown a yellow card after catching Mikel Merino in the first half of the encounter at Camp Nou.Some wondered whether it was evidence of Messi's frustrations following Barcelona's defeat to Real Madrid in El Clasico.Not only that but his public feud with the club's director of football Eric Abidal have suggested that the 32-year-old isn't enjoying himself a great deal right now.And some fans on social media even thought Messi was fortunate to escape without a red card after a challenge on Real Sociedad's Diego Llorente in the first half.Messi and Llorente competed for the ball when the Sociedad man fell to the ground.Off balance, Messi's momentum carried him forwards and he stepped on Llorente's ankle.

Was it deserving of a red card? Some think so.

Barcelona's hopes of defending their La Liga title were dealt a blow when they were beaten 2-1 by Real Madrid last weekend.

It's been one rollercoaster of a season for the Blaugrana, who replaced Ernesto Valverde with Quique Setien in January.

They haven't been at their sumptuous best and it's meant more responsibility on Messi's shoulders.

But he's delivered for the club, as he usually does, and he scored the opening goal from the penalty against Real Sociedad.

The six-time Ballon d'Or winner took his tally of league goals for the season to 19 goals after a VAR check awarded Barcelona a penalty.