Messi’s prison term in tax fraud case upheld by Spain Supreme Court, but he won’t go to jail

Lionel Messi, and his father Jorge Horacio who received the same sentence, were also fined 2 million euros ($2.24 million) in a ruling in July last year. Neither Messi nor his father are expected to serve time in jail, as under Spanish law sentences under two years can be served under probation.

Spain’s Supreme Court has ratified a 21-month prison sentence handed down to Argentine star Lionel Messi for tax fraud following the Barcelona player’s appeal, Spanish media reported on Wednesday citing unnamed sources.

Lionel Messi, FC Barcelona star, has been involved in a tax fraud case in Spain. (Getty Images)

The Supreme Court could not immediately confirm the reports.

Messi, and his father Jorge Horacio who received the same sentence, were also fined 2 million euros ($2.24 million) in a ruling in July last year.

Neither Messi nor his father are expected to serve time in jail, as under Spanish law sentences under two years can be served under probation.