Lionel Messi faces tax evasion charges in Spain

Lionel Messi may be leading FC Barcelona at the moment, but he’s going to have to maneuver around tax evasion chargers being brought against him in Spain.

Football star Lionel Messi, who is largely regarded as not only the greatest player alive but one of the greatest of all-time, is in a bit of hot water in Spain.

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According to the BBC, Messi is being charged with tax evasion, as a Spanish judge as ruled the FC Barcelona star must appear in court to answer these claims. Exact details on the case aren’t known at the time, but these are not charges to just toss to the side as something Messi can dance around like he has so many defenders in his career.

Messi is a massive name not only in football but in sports on a global stage. He’s one of those transcendent names that every sports fan knows, even if they’re not a fan of the sport he plays. There’s no denying Messi’s talents, but these charges are something that could hang over his head all season long and result in some pretty serious consequences.

The footballer isn’t facing any prison time like he would in the United State, but his wallet could take a serious hit. If the judge rules that Messi’s tax evasion is on the level of ‘very serious infraction’, then the penalty could be 100-150 percent of tax owed, plus a fine with interest tacked onto it.

In Spain, offenders have four years to report and reverse claims of evasion or late payments, which means Messi may not have paid taxes in a very long time.

Lionel Messi may be leading FC Barcelona at the moment, but he’s going to have to maneuver around tax evasion chargers being brought against him in Spain.

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