Spanish outlet El Mundo reported on Tuesday that Lionel Messi's trial has been rescheduled from May 31 to June 7. Lionel Messi and his father, Jorge, have been charged with three counts of tax fraud, that totalled $4.4 million in unpaid taxes between the years of 2007 and 2009.
While Lionel Messi is not required to be present for the entire trial, he has been called to testify, which throws doubt over whether he will be present for Argentina's opening match in the Copa America Centenario against Chile, which is set to take place on June 6.
Copa America Schedule. Photo: @OsceolaStarNews | Twitter
Jorge Messi is accused of setting up off-shore tax havens through Panamanian company Mega Star Enterprises, through which he funneled $10 million in profits from Lionel's various image rights deals. This upcoming court case revolves around that specific two-year period from 2007 to 2009.
However, the recent leak of information from a Panamanian law firm, dubbed the "Panama Papers," has only added to the confusion, as they supposedly reveal that the Messis created a new tax fraud network, which is unrelated to their current trial. These charges have yet to be substantiated.
The publishing of data from Panamian law firm Mossack-Fonseca has further muddied the waters. Photo: @AJENews | Twitter
In a statement, Jorge Messi defended his son from the new accusations levied against him:
"Lionel Messi has not participated in any of the acts in which he is being implicated," said Messi Sr. "The accusations saying that we have set up a new form of tax evasion and that we have created a network to launder money are false and libelous."
Lionel's father, Jorge Horacio Messi, is thought to be the main culprit. Photo: @DeportesTeleSUR | Twitter
The pair are looking at 22 months in prison, although the consensus appears to be that Leo was an unknowing conspirator. The Barcelona star stated in an earlier trial that he left his finances in the control of his father, who will probably be the main target for the prosecution.
The prosecution will also take into account the fact that the Messis have since paid the money that was owed in taxes during the period in question, and have also paid taxes for all income since then.
The tax trial has been a complex web of confusion so far, and with the release of the Panama Papers, it doesn't look like clearing up anytime soon. For now, Argentina may have to prepare for the rematch of last year's Copa America final without their star player.
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