World famous Argentina and Barcelona footballer Lionel Messi faces 21 months in prison for tax fraud. His father, Jorge, also faces jail time for fraud amounting to 4.1 million euros.
Despite also facing millions of euros in fines, it is not expected that the pair will actually face any jail time, as in Spain, sentences under two years can be served while on probation.
The two face three counts of tax fraud, as ruled in court on Wednesday. Messi’s legal representatives argued their client had no knowledge of his tax affairs.
As well as paying fines issued by the court, the pair made a voluntary 5 million euro ‘corrective’ payment, which was said to be equal to the unpaid tax.
Barcelona, Messi’s current club, said:
“The Club, in agreement with the Government prosecution service, considers that the player, who has corrected his position with the Spanish Tax Office, is in no way criminally responsible with regards to the facts underlined in this case. FC Barcelona continues to be at the disposal of Leo Messi and his family to support him in whatever action he decides to take in defense of his honesty and his legal interests.”
Forbes recently ranked Messi as the second-highest paid athlete in the world, as last year, he earned around $81.4 million, from various sources including his salary and endorsement deals.
