Messi to appeal tax fraud verdict

Yesterday it was found that Lionel Messi and his father Jorge would be sentenced to 21 months in jail for tax fraud. 

However, neither of them will actually go to jail, as there is a rule in Spain that says you can serve your sentence under probation if it is less than two years. 

According to the Argentinian's lawyers, Messi will appeal the court's decision. 

"The sentence is not correct and we are confident the appeal will show the defence was right," the player's lawyers said. 

"[...] there is a good chance that the appeal will succeed."

Messi and his father Jorge made a "corrective payment" back in 2013 which was equal to the unpaid tax plus interest. 

The Barcelona star was also fined €2 million euros by the court in Barcelona. 

FC Barcelona also released a statement in support of their player.

"FC Barcelona expresses its full support to Leo Messi and his father in relation to the conviction for tax fraud...

"The club... 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."