The much reported case against Lionel Messi regarding alleged tax evasion will go ahead, reports Spanish daily Marca.
Messi was hit hard last season when he and his father were heavily accused of evading tax, although further investigations had ruled the Barcelona attacker out of any prosecution.
However, it is now understood that the judge in Barcelona, who had to make a decision on whether or not to drop the case – has said that there is enough evidence for the trial to go ahead, which will include both Messi and his father.
“[Messi] could have known and consented to the creation and maintenance of a fictitious corporate structure with the sole purpose of avoiding compliance with tax obligations from income generated by exploitation of image rights,” Marca report.
Jorge Messi, Leo’s father, faces three charges of tax evasion, but both deny any foul play and affirm that they have documents to prove their innocence.