Prosecutors split over Lionel Messi guilt as tax trial ends

Lionel Messi’s tax fraud trial has concluded with a public prosecutor calling for the player’s acquittal and the government prosecutor renewing his demand for a conviction.

Madrid: Lionel Messi’s tax fraud trial has concluded with a public prosecutor calling for the player’s acquittal and the government prosecutor renewing his demand for a conviction.

Lionel Messi

The four-day trial ended yesterday in Barcelona with both prosecutors contending that Messi’s father, Jorge Horacio Messi, was the main person responsible for defrauding Spain’s tax authority of 4.1 million euros from 2007-09. The legal representative for the tax office called for a prison sentence of 22 months each for both Messi and his father.

They are not likely to face any jail time even if found guilty, but could be fined and made to forfeit possible future tax benefits.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!