Lionel Messi could quit Barcelona because of the Spanish tax authorities

Messi set to appear in court over alleged tax fraud

(2015 Getty Images)

Lionel Messi is considering quitting Barcelona because of his continued issues with the Spanish tax authorities, according to reports in Spain.

The superstar could appear in court, accused of defrauding the Spanish tax office, along with his father Jorge, of €4.1million between 2007 and 2009. Both deny any wrongdoing.

According to Spanish news website Cope, the Argentina star feels there is a 'campaign' against him and he does not understand why there is such great interest in the case.

Messi is considering leaving becasue of the continued intrusion, media coverage and hounding by the tax authorities.

Messi, 28, has been at Barcelona since he was 13 and his current contract runs until the end of 2018.

A Spanish state attorney announced earlier this month that they intend to try Messi and his father on three counts of tax fraud, and hopes to land each with a 22-month prison sentence.

A Spanish public prosecutor recommended on 25 September that a judge dismiss tax evasion charges against the Barcelona forward, claiming his father, who is also his agent, was responsible for his finances and not the player.