Lionel Messi Tax Trial Won't Clash with Key Barcelona Games, Says Legal Expert

Lionel Messi’s ongoing tax fraud case won’t result in him missing any of Barcelona’s key matches, according to government lawyer Marcos Mas, per Marca. Mas told the Spanish news outlet that Messi’s hearing can be postponed “if a valid reason were substantiated”—which could include a fixture clash.

The forward is currently sidelined with a knee injury, yet is hoping to return to first-team action ahead of the first El Clasico of the season at the Bernabeu on November 22.

In fact, Argentina's team doctor told Spanish publication Ole Messi will return sooner than that, as his injury isn't as bad as first feared, per ESPN.

Manu Fernandez/Associated Press

However, it’s Messi’s life off the pitch that has dominated the headlines of late, with a prison sentence remaining a possibility for him and his father.

Daniel Bosque of Agence France-Presse (h/t Yahoo.com) outlined the facts on the case: "The pair were accused in 2013 of defrauding the taxman out of 4.16 million euros ($4.69 million) in taxes related to Messi's image rights between 2007 and 2009 through the creation of fake companies in Belize and Uruguay."

Still, Mas doesn’t believe the Argentinian will end up behind bars. He said prosecutors “are not looking to imprison anyone or to set an example about paying taxes. If they believe a criminal offence has been committed, they are obligated to take action.”

The action taken by the Spanish authorities is most likely to be a hefty fine; it’s just a case of all parties agreeing on a settlement, Mas indicated.

Lalo R. Villar/Associated Press

Messi will be hoping that such a settlement can be reached before the case goes to court under the intense spotlight of the media, leaving him with only football to focus on. Barcelona have stuttered without their main man up front of late, and his return will bring them nothing but encouragement heading into the busy winter period.

If Messi still has a court case hanging over his head, though, his focus could well be elsewhere—even with a fully fit knee.