fbpx Skip to main content

Messi has been jailed for 21 months for tax fraud and his dad has also received a jail term for defrauding Spain of €4.1m (£3.2m; $4.6m) between 2007 and 2009.

It’s understood the 5 time Ballon D’or winnner used tax havens in Belize and Uruguay to conceal money he earned from image rights.

The Barcelona star who recently retired from international football could miss up to 2 years of football if he serves his full prison sentence.

Messi has always claimed he was unaware and “knew nothing” about the tax fraud, however the court in Spain have not accepted his defence.

Government prosecutor Mario Maza said,

“Messi knew more than he made it appear (in court),”

Messi has been fined £1.7m and his father will have to pay £1.27m, but both will likely avoid serving a prison sentence with probation the more likely option.

Messi’s teammates, Neymar Jr and Adriano are also being investing for tax evasion, while Mascherano accepted a plea bargain in January of 1 year probation.

More to follow as story develops