Lionel Messi to avoid jail despite 21-month sentence for tax fraud

Footballer Lionel Messi and his father have been sentenced to 21 months for tax fraud but will not have to go to prison.

Under Spanish law, sentences under two years are usually suspended and neither are likely to serve any time in prison.

A Spanish court sentenced Messi to 21 months in jail for tax fraud. Picture: AFP/Gettyplaceholder image
A Spanish court sentenced Messi to 21 months in jail for tax fraud. Picture: AFP/Getty

The long-running case relates to a scheme to avoid paying £3.4m of tax on Lionel Messi’s image rights.

DOWNLOAD THE SCOTSMAN APP ON ITUNES OR GOOGLE PLAY

Related topics:
Dare to be Honest
Follow us
© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice