September 30 – The tax evasion case involving Lionel Messi and his father Jorge “should not take long” to be resolved, according to the Spanish Superior Court. Both appeared in court last Friday to face charges of evading €4.2 million in tax by filing incomplete returns for the years 2006 to 2009, allegations they deny but which have caused widespread consternation in Spain where the Argentine superstar is currently out injured.
Cristabal Martell, lawyer for the Messis, told the court the two had “great willingness to set the matter straight with the tax authorities”.
They have already made a “corrective payment” to Spanish authorities of just over €5 million.
In a written petition to the judge in August, Martell said Messi’s father assumed full responsibility for his son’s tax situation, distancing the player from any direct involvement.
After Friday’s closed session, it was reported that the defence’s strategy had been to pin blame on Jorge Messi, insisting on the innocence of the four-time world player of the year.
Messi has been resident in Barcelona since joining the club’s academy in 2000 and gained Spanish citizenship five years later.
The judge will now determine whether or not to dismiss the charges or impose a punishment. A spokesperson for the Superior Court said the ruling “should not take long.”
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