All-World forward Lionel Messi is facing prosecution for charges of tax evasion following the decision of a Spanish court announced today. Messi, who claims that his father is in charge of his financial obligations, is responsible for paying 54 percent of his income in taxes as an earner of over €300K per year in Spain. The Barcelona superstar earns roughly $40M per season for the Spanish club, including $23M from sponsorships.
However, according to The Guardian, a Barcelona court is alleging that Messi's father created certain businesses solely as a tax shield for his son, and that Messi could've been aware of the shady book-keeping. These companies "were allegedly used to evade taxes due on income from image rights." Proving Messi's knowledge of these deals will be difficult, and a public prosecutor recommended that the court drop the case.
Despite the prosecutor's advice, the court will proceed with the case. According to the court, Messi owes over $5.4M to the Spanish government. Apparently, they aren't willing to let such a large sum of money go without a fight.
