Lionel Messi to Face Trial for Tax Fraud: Latest Details and Comments

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi will face trial over allegations he and his father Jorge defrauded Spanish authorities of €4.1 million in unpaid income tax, reported by El Pais.

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Messi Appeal Rejected, Tax Evasion Case Looms

Wednesday, June 10

"Lionel Messi's appeal against allegations of tax evasion has been thrown out by a Barcelona court and the Argentina star will now stand trial," reported Goal.com.

El Pais provided pivotal information direct from court: "The Barcelona Provincial High Court believes there is evidence that the Argentinean forward 'benefited' from a network of companies that allowed him to defraud the Spanish Tax Agency of €4.1 million in income tax, regardless of whether or not he had knowledge of the structures in place."

Having originally lodged an appeal in October, per Goal, the Blaugrana icon could now face serious distraction from on-pitch matters. The news comes just days before Argentina's Copa America opener against Paraguay on Saturday.

Per Goal, Jorge "assumed full responsibility when the case began" for allegations he sold his son's image rights to companies in countries such as Belize and Uruguay. Agreeing to such deals allegedly allowed the pair to sidestep paying tax in Spain.

Emilio Morenatti/Associated Press

"Leo has always denied any knowledge of the alleged offences," reported Ed Malyon of the Mirror. Whether Messi was conscious of the scheme will be decided during the hearing, per El Pais.

Three counts of fraud between 2007-09 are set to be investigated. Messi's defence suggests the 27-year-old has "never devoted a minute of his life to reading, studying or analyzing" the details of companies his father set up when he was still a child, El Pais reported. 

Leo led Barcelona to a terrific 2014-15 treble, scoring 58 goals across La Liga, Copa del Rey and Champions League triumphs. He recently admitted the initial court hearing affected his 2013-14 form, Sky Sports reported.

Perhaps vitally to the case, El Pais noted the state attorney was keen to absolve Leo of wrongdoing but that the Tax Agency insisted he be prosecuted alongside his father.