Messi after it emerged he is set to stand trial over
alleged tax evasion.
La Liga club Barcelona have given their backing to forward
Lionel Messi as he faces the prospect of standing trial alongside
his father over tax fraud allegations.
It was widely reported in the Spanish media on Thursday that
the 28-year-old, under investigation along with father Jorge
over alleged fraud dating back to a period of time between 2007
and 2009, is set to stand trial after the state attorney overruled
the advice of prosecutors.
Previously, it seemed as though the Argentina international
would avoid a trial on the basis that father Jorge had full control
of his affairs.
Messi's management company hit out at the decision initially
and argued that his defence would, over the coming weeks,
"prove that the prosecutor's position in not accusing Lionel
Messi is correct".
And later on Thursday, Barca released a statement in which
they offered the four-time Ballon d'Or winner their full support
and backing.
"The club finds strange the difference of judgment between the
Fiscal Ministry, who decided not to accuse Messi, and the
opinion of the State Attorney, who said just the opposite," read
the statement.
"FC Barcelona has sent its affection and solidarity to Leo Messi
and his family in this unusual situation.
The club will continue
giving full support and assistance on legal, fiscal and
administrative levels to the family during this process.
"FC Barcelona denounces the accumulation of external
decisions that began long ago and that are outside the sport
itself as totally unacceptable. This affects the club, its stability
and its players.
"The club will continue to work more firmly than ever to defend
its legitimate rights and be prepared for the new challenges that
may come."
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