IS MESSI’S CAREER SET FOR AN END?

 

What! No this may sound strange but on ground it does not appear far from possibility with now the thin line between Messi and football lying on the final verdict of the Spanish court judges. After experiencing a number of setbacks in his recent career, World’s four times player of the year Lionel Messi could just find himself hanging up his boots in the beautiful game at an early stage. This is due to the ongoing case on an alleged tax fraud by the Argentine captain. Messi was accused of using a number of shell companies set up in tax havens to shield royalties and other licensing income from Spanish income tax.

 Reports state that the tax havens, said to be located in Belize and Uruguay, were the ultimate destination for the funds which were allegedly funneled through an elaborate maze including the U.K. and Switzerland. The scheme reportedly allowed the pair to avoid paying nearly €4.165 million ($5.5 million U.S.) in tax.  It has also been stated that the prosecutor seemed to agree, that Messi’s father, Jorge, was responsible for the tax schemes a claim refuted by a Barcelona court stating that Messi could have known about the tax scheme. That was sufficient reason, in the court’s purview, to order Messi and his father to stand trial on charges this fall. Despite Jorge paying €5 million in taxes last year, per BBC News, the judge has found "sufficient evidence" to suggest both he and Messi Jr. should be investigated, reported by AS.

A Spanish court has decided to move forward with prosecuting Messi for the alleged tax evasion. The move comes despite a recommendation from the prosecutor that the charges be dismissed and despite Messi’s clear attempts to resolve his outstanding tax debts. The case could see Messi spending six years in prison if found guilty by the Spanish court.

Former Argentine player and coach Diego Maradona also found himself in the same tax fraud allegations some years back, after been accused by Italian authorities of  €39 million unpaid tax bill dating back to when the legend played for Napoli between 1984 and 1991. Maradona later won the case after the charges against him were dropped by the court thus setting him free.

With Messi ,this comes after the Barcelona playmaker had suffered a long –term injury later last year and failing to retain his Ballon d’ or title as well as ending last season trophy less. He also had an overwhelming campaign with Argentina in the World Cup, reaching the finals before losing it out to Germany. The tax allegation could be an added nightmare in his career if it fails to go his way.