Lionel Messi verdict is suspended prison sentence

FOLLOWING the trial of Lionel Messi and his father for tax evasion, the court met in Barcelona to hand down the suspended sentence of 21 months imprisonment to each.

Prior to the trial itself, funds to cover any unpaid tax and penalties had been lodged with the authorities which means that this sentence is purely symbolic although it may affect his ability to obtain entry to certain countries around the world.

His team Barcelona has tweeted a message of support for the player and his father, whilst the 1986 world cup winning team has asked him not to terminate his playing career with the Argentine national team.