Lionel Messi cleared of tax fraud charges - reports

Spain’s public prosecutor has dropped tax fraud charges against Lionel Messi, according to reports in Spain.

But the Barcelona star’s father will reportedly stand trial over the allegations, which relate to the Argentina international’s image rights.

Jorge Messi is accused of defrauding Spain’s tax office of €4m in unpaid taxes from 2007 to 2009.

The prosecutor’s office in Barcelona has recommended an 18-month prison sentence and a €2m fine for Jorge Messi.

The ruling said Jorge Messi was in control of his son’s economic interests and taxes, reports claimed.

It read: “It has not been proven that (Lionel Messi’s) lack of knowledge was deliberate or was done with the aim of defrauding the Treasury.”

The prosecutor also reportedly asked that Lionel Messi acted as a witness in the trial.

Lionel Messi is currently sidelined by injury.