LIONEL MESSI HANDED 21MONTH SENTENCE, SET TO AVOID

Lionel Messi won't be going to jail for defrauding the Spanish tax authorities, but instead he has  been fined $2.3 million.
According to a Barcelona court ruling, between 2007 and 2009, Messi was guilty of tax fraud and that for each of those three years he should serve a sentence of seven months.

However, the 29year old won’t serve jail term as long as he doesn’t break the law again.
Messi's father Jorge Messi was handed a 21-month jail sentence and a $1.7 million fine tax fraud, though also like his son he won't serve time as he also doesn't have a criminal record.
Barcelona issued a statement saying it will give all its support to Leo Messi and his father.
"FC Barcelona continues to be at the disposal of Leo Messi and his family to support him in whatever action he decides to take in defense of his honesty and his legal interests."

Messi Facts; Messi is widely regarded as the best footballer on the planet and is Barca's all-time leading goalscorer.

 *Forbes ranked Messi as the second-highest paid athlete on the planet, earning an estimated $81.4 million last year through his salary and various endorsement deals.