Lionel Messi could leave Barcelona because of tax man, according to reports in Spain
Messi faces continued scrutiny from the Spanish authorities
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Lionel Messi could quit Barcelona because the Spanish tax authorities continue to pursue him, according to reports in Spain.
Messi, considered by some as the best footballer ever, is facing jail time despite agreeing to pay a €5million settlement earlier this year. Spanish law dictates that anyone who has more than €120,000 in undeclared income automatically faces a jail sentence, although this is generally waived if the individual agrees to pay.
Messi was accused of hiding €4.1m earned from image rights in companies in Belize and Uruguay but, despite making the €5m settlement, the authorities continue to hound him.
A sources close to the 27-year-old star is quoted in Spanish newspaper El Confidencial as saying: "there are other elite sportspeople who have tax problems and they’ve all been settled administratively, as was the case with Real Madrid players Xabi Alonso and Iker Casillas and tennis star Rafa Nadal.
"Messi is the only one who faces legal proceedings that could end with him going to jail. He’s fed up with Spain and that’s why he wants to leave."
The same source says that Messi paid €52m in income tax and fines and "that should be that" but as the authorities have continued to look at him, "who knows where it will end".
There are even suggestions that the situation is an anti-Catalan conspiracy, with Real Madrid players not facing the same level of scrutiny.
Messi added fuel to the possibility of his leaving the Nou Camp by telling Argentine paper Ole: "I live the present. All I am thinking about is making this a great year and winning titles, and that's it.
"After that, we'll see," he added.
"Football is full of unexpected twists and turns ... it is true that I said I would like to stay there [at Barcelona] forever, but sometimes not everything turns out the way you want."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments