Lonel Messi and dad in court over tax issues

Messi is accused of failing to properly pay taxes for part of his earnings from Barcelona from 2007 to 2009.

The Argentina forward is not obligated to appear in court until tomorrow when he is scheduled to give evidence before a judge.

Messi and his father, Jorge Horacio Messi, have been charged with three counts of tax fraud for allegedly defrauding Spain’s tax office of €4.1m.

Because of the trial, Messi is missing Argentina’s preparation for the Copa America Centenario, which begins on Saturday in the US. He is expected to fly straight to the US after the trial ends.

Argentina’s first match in the tournament is on Monday against defending champions Chile.

Sentencing is not expected until next week. Even if found guilty, it is highly unlikely Messi or his father will face any jail time. They have denied wrongdoing.However if found guilty he and his father could face a jail sentence of 22 months and 15 days each.