Messi has criticised the imminent decision to put their
client on trial for tax fraud.
Lionel Messi's management company has hit back on behalf of
its client after it emerged the Barcelona star is likely to face trial
for tax fraud.
It was previously believed the 28-year-old Argentina star, under
investigation along with his father over alleged fraud dating
back to a period of time between 2007 and 2009, would be
spared a trial on the basis that he did not have full control of his
affairs.
However, it was widely reported by the Spanish media on
Thursday that the four-time Ballon d'Or winner would be
required to appear in court after the state attorney opted to
overrule the advice of prosecutors.
"The Prosecutor's Office did not accuse Lionel Messi of any
financial fraud on September 25," Leo Messi Management wrote
in a letter titled 'The State Attorney is trying to contradict
prosecutors in Messi case'.
"In its statement, the Prosecutor's Office widely discussed the
reasons for not accusing Lionel Messi.
"The State Attorney has contradicted the Prosecutor's request
and judgement. The State Attorney's statement was presented
on July 8, while the Prosecutor's was issued later, on
September 25.
"The State Attorney represents the interests of the Revenue
Agency, while the Prosecutor's Office is the appropriate
constitutional organisation formed with effective autonomy in
the Judiciary.
"The sentence sought by the State Attorney does not imply it will
be complied with effectively.
"In the coming weeks Lionel Messi's defence will have the
chance to present its arguments in the trial, and the evidence it
believes relevant, which prove that the Prosecutor's position in
not accusing Lionel Messi is correct."
The star forward, sidelined due to a knee injury suffered playing
for Barcelona at home to Las Palmas in La Liga last month,
posted a picture and message on Facebook informing his fans
he is continuing his rehabilitation.
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