Barcelona: Messi 'in no way criminally responsible' for tax evasion

Lionel Messi and his father Jorge were sentenced to 21 months in prison for tax fraud on Wednesday, and while the pair won't actually serve any prison time, Messi's club Barcelona still has an issue with the court's decision.

The Catalan outfit released a statement defending the now-convicted felon Messi, saying the Argentine is "in no way criminally responsible."

FC Barcelona gives all its support to Leo Messi and his father with relation to the sentence for tax evasion handed out by the Provincial Court in Barcelona today.

The Club, in agreement with the Government prosecution service, considers that the player, who has corrected his position with the Spanish Tax Office, is in no way criminally responsible with regards to the facts underlined in this case.

FC Barcelona continues to be at the disposal of Leo Messi and his family to support him in whatever action he decides to take in defence of his honesty and his legal interests.

Messi is just one of Barcelona's players accused of tax fraud, with Javier Mascherano and Neymar also dealing with similar claims.