Lionel Messi and his father have been found guilty of tax fraud and handed a 21-month sentence, but they’re unlikely to serve any time behind bars. Messi was also fined €2 million, while his father was handed a €1.5 million fine. Messi claimed he knew absolutely nothing about the tax evasion scheme set up by his handlers, while his father blamed tax advisers.
Under Spanish law, sentences under two years are often suspended for people who do not have any prior convictions. Lionel and Jorge Messi are expected to have their sentences suspended, and will only serve them if they commit similar offenses in the next two years.
This articles was originally published on SB Nation.
