Messi tax fraud trial: 'I knew nothing', Barcelona star

The Argentina and Barcelona football star Lionel Messi is due to give evidence in a Spanish court on tax fraud charges. 

Messi and his father Jorge, who manages his financial affairs, are accused of defrauding Spain of more than four point five million dollars between 2007 and 2009.  

The authorities allege that the two used tax havens in Belize and Uruguay to conceal earnings from image rights.  

Spain's tax agency is demanding heavy fines and prison sentences. 

Both men deny any wrongdoing.  

The trial began early this week and today is expected to be the final day. 

A verdict is not expected until next week.  Because of the trial, Messi has missed part of his national team's preparations for the Copa America, which starts tomorrow in the US.


SOURCE: BBC news