A 21‑month sentence for tax fraud handed out to five‑time world footballer of the year Lionel Messi has been confirmed by the Spanish Supreme Court.
However, the 29‑year‑old is unlikely to go to prison.
Messi and his father, Jorge, who manages Messi's finances, were both convicted of defrauding Spain of NZ$6.5 million in taxes in 2016.
Messi is not expected to go to prison because sentences of less than two years for first offences are usually suspended in Spain.
Having paid some of the taxes, Jorge Messi's sentence was reduced from 21 months to 15 months by the Supreme Court, however Messi's sentence remains the same.
At his trial in 2016, the Argentina and Barcelona sensation denied any involvement in the offence, stating he was only worried about playing football.
The pair were found guilty of evading Spanish taxes on income from companies using Messi's image rights.
Source: NZHerald
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