FC Barcelona in a statement issued today pledged to support Lionel Messi regarding the tax evasion verdict passed on the striker today. The Argentine and his father were found guilty and bagged 21-month jail terms each and were also asked to pay fine for defrauding Spanish authorities to the tune of  €4million. 
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“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,” a club statement read.
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“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.”