Lionel Messi will look to make everyone forget about his tax evasion scandal when Argentina takes on Guatemala in a friendly match on Friday.
The four time Ballon d'Or winner and his father were recently accused of tax fraud by Spanish authorities for approximately four million Euros during a four-year span. Messi and his father immediately made it clear that there was no foul play on their part.
"We have just known through the media about the claim filed by the Spanish tax authorities. We are surprised about those news, because we have never committed any infringement. We have always fulfilled all our tax obligations, following the advices of our Tax Consultants who will take care of clarifying this situation," said Messi on his Facebook page.
"This is all a mistake," his father added. "It should have been spoken about with the accountants and legal people, who will clear it up."
Barcelona president Sandro Rosell told his superstar that he had the club's support in the matter. "Messi's family is calm. They have all of our support. I do not doubt their innocence," said Rosell.
If charges are brought against him, the Barcelona hero could potentially face between two and six years in jail and a fine six times the amount defrauded.
Messi hopes that his match against Argentina will offer respite from the drama circulating his life. La Albiceleste is coming off three straight draws in the World Cup qualifiers. The Argentines drew 1-1 with Bolivia last March before tying 0-0 against Colombia on Friday. On Tuesday, the team battled to a 1-1 standstill against Ecuador. Messi has not scored for Argentina in the last three World Cup qualifiers.
Prediction: Guatemala should pose no threat and Messi could vent his frustration with a four goal effort. Argentina wins 6-0.
Start Time: 10 PM EST
TV: GOL TV
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