The player widely regarded as the greatest of his generation and his father, Jorge, face up to six years in jail and a fine of more than £40 million if found guilty of filing fraudulent tax returns during 2007 to 2009.
All seems to be stormy with lionel Messi and his Dad as Prosecutors in the eastern region of Catalonia yesterday filed papers accusing them of using a complex network of companies in Britain and Switzerland, and tax havens such as Uruguay and Belize, to hide from the authorities income relating to image rights.
The alleged fraud, which involves three separate offences, was said to have commenced before Messi came of age and while his father was in charge of his financial affairs.
Messi, estimated to be the 10th highest-paid athlete on around £13 million a year – which is almost matched by the value of his endorsements – issued a statement on wednesday via his official Facebook page denying any wrongdoing.
“We are surprised about this news, because we have never committed any infringement,” said the 25-year-old four-time reigning World Player of the Year.
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