Tax Fraud Charges: Lionel Messi To Stand Trial In Spain, Faces 22 Months In Jail If Guilty

Barcelona and Argentina super star striker, Lionel Messi has been directed to stand trial for a tax fraud charge by judge in Spain.

The four times Ballon d’Or award winner and his father, Jorge were accused of defrauding Spain of more than €4m (£3.1m; $5m).

They, however, deny any wrongdoing.

Lawyers acting on behalf of the tax authorities demanded 22-month jail sentences for both defendants.

Prosecutors allege that Jorge avoided paying tax on his son’s earnings by using offshore companies in Belize and Uruguay in 2007-09.

According to the AFP news agency, the judge in a court filing said: “There are rational signs that the criminality was committed by both accused parties.”

No date has been set for the trial of the 28-year-old footballer.