Lionel Messi’s trial for alleged tax evasion began at the Court of Barcelona on Thursday.
The Barcelona superstar, who is set to represent Argentina in the upcoming Copa America, was present to declare at the court and, here, Goal explains the key points of the proceedings.
Messi is accused of evading the payment of income tax in 2007, 2008 and 2009. The total amount allegedly defrauded from the Spanish Treasury stands at €4.1 million (£3.1m). Most of that revenue is understood to come from image rights, with Messi partnered with a number of major brands.
The prosecution alleges that the player defrauded the Tax Agency, but Messi’s asserts that his father handles his income. Messi Sr. says that his son “never had access to contracts and information.” He also claims “I had the contracts and said he had to sign.”
It is planned that the trial against Messi lasts for only three days. The procedure started on May 31, with notable absences among those called to testify. Messi has, as expected, concentrated on preparing for the Copa America Centenario with Argentina, showing up to court to declare on Thursday.
Should Messi be found guilty he will have to pay the corresponding fines for tax evasion but there is understood to be zero possibility of the player facing prison time. The law states that imprisonment of those sentenced to less than two years should be suspended, as long as it is the first offence committed, as in the case of Messi.
Messi has repeatedly proved able to overcome off-field adversity on the pitch, and will hope to do so again this summer with Argentina. The Copa America is an important competition for the country, as they seek to confirm their status among the best teams in the Americas. Messi is a leader on the pitch, and will hope to lead his country to victory.
In the case of Barcelona, Messi is likely to be able to focus exclusively on his football once the court proceedings are finished, and will again seek to win the Ballon d’Or, potentially the sixth of his career.
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