Lionel Messi Testifies in Court on Tax Evasion Charges

On Sept 27, Barcelona FC star Lionel Messi testified in the court in Gava, a small town in the south of Barcelona, over tax evasion charges, Clarín reported. Back in June, the Economic Crimes Prosecutor of Barcelona sued the player and his father, for alleged tax fraud.  

The Messi family was charged with three offenses relating to the years of 2007, 2008 and 2009 for allegedly evading payment on more than 4 million euros made from endorsements from his principal sponsors - PepsiCo, Adidas, and Proctor & Gamble - and a several other companies.

The striker and his father, Jorge Messi, both appeared in court and denied wrongdoing, while attorney Cristóbal Martell said the pair "proved the absence of intent to defraud and their great willingness to set the matter straight with the tax authorities," according to the Telegraph.

Mr Martell told reporters that, according to Messi's father, Messi dedicated himself to playing football and had no role in financial issues. "The declarations of the Messi family was totally transparent, clear and collaborated with the court," claimed Mr Martell.

"With the same desire for transparency the questioning took place and we saw there was no will to commit fraud and an important willingness to regularize his situation with the treasury. There is no desire for a prolonged discussion with the State regarding the interpretation of the fiscal rules," said the attorney.

"We have always fulfilled our tax obligations following the advice of our tax consultants who will take care of clarifying this situation," defended Messi and his father in a statement, According to The Guardian. 

Back in June, Messi, who was voted World Player of the Year four times, presented supplementary income statements to the Barcelona tax authorities from 2010 and 2011 and paid an additional 10 million euros, Spanish publication La Vanguardia reported.

It is estimated that for image rights, Messi won 10.17 million euros (nearly $14 million) between 2007 and 2009, Clarín informed. Forbes magazine listed the Argentinian star as the 10th richest athlete in the world, with annual revenues of $21 million.