Barcelona forward Lionel Messi and his father have both been given a 21-month suspended prison sentence for tax evasion today.

Messi and his father Jorge were both notified of their appearances in court during the winter, with the case getting underway at the end of May and start of June.

Both men were accused of defrauding Spain’s tax office of 4.1 million euros ($4.4 million) in unpaid taxes between 2007-09.

However, proceedings were delayed slightly because Messi had to partake in the Copa America for his country this summer.

Oludolapo Adelana

Dolapo is a writer and journalist who works with YNaija. He has interests in Christianity, politics and sports.