Barcelona back Messi amid tax fraud allegations

Barcelona have voiced their full support for their forward, Lionel Messi, as he prepares to stand trial along with his father, over tax fraud allegations.

The 28-year-old and his father, Jorge, are under investigation for alleged fraud between 2007 and 2009.

Messi’s management company initially resisted the decision and argued that his defence will “prove that the prosecutor’s position in not accusing Lionel Messi is correct”.

Barcelona have now released a statement, in which they fully backed their star man.

“The club finds strange the difference of judgment between the Fiscal Ministry, who decided not to accuse Messi, and the opinion of the State Attorney, who said just the opposite,” read the statement.

“FC Barcelona has sent its affection and solidarity to Leo Messi and his family in this unusual situation. The club will continue giving full support and assistance on legal, fiscal and administrative levels to the family during this process.

“FC Barcelona denounces the accumulation of external decisions that began long ago and that are outside the sport itself as totally unacceptable. This affects the club, its stability and its players.

“The club will continue to work more firmly than ever to defend its legitimate rights and be prepared for the new challenges that may come.”

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