FC Barcelona: Lionel Messi Facing Accusations of Tax Fraud

According to ESPN, FC Barcelona and Argentina superstar Lionel Messi is being accused of tax fraud in Spain.

Per the BBC, the complaint was filed in Gava on Wednesday. Spanish officials believe that Messi and his father defrauded the state out of €4 million by funneling his personal revenue through offshore accounts in tax havens.

However, Barcelona's  El Periodico claims the sum is closer to €13 million.

So, what should fans make of this story that is breaking?

At the moment, one should probably reserve judgment. After all, the story is merely in its embryonic stages, with the Spanish courts just making accusations and filing complaints. Messi has yet to be charged with any crime, as Spanish judges must look over the complaint and deem it worthy before that happens.

Should that all happen over the next few weeks, though, Lionel Messi will be facing charges that, should he be convicted, carry up to a six-year prison term, according to the Independent.

This story is definitely worth following and will no doubt hang over football over the next few months, as the Argentinean great could land in some serious trouble.

Could the "little genius" really have been this naive with his millions of dollars? Could Messi really be headed for prison time?

At the moment, anything seems possible with this story.

However, it’s part of a more far-reaching story, as many people in football facing tax concerns.

Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness is currently on trial for tax evasion, while many Premier League stars are facing scrutiny from English tax officials.

The news of Lionel Messi’s tax evasion may be just the start of this tax evasion story as footballers across the continent look to sustain their wealth in a struggling Europe.

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