Lionel Messi avoids court on first day of his tax evasion trial

Footballer Lionel Messi’s tax trial has begun, with the Barcelona star deciding not to appear in court for early proceedings.

Messi is accused of failing to properly pay taxes for part of his earnings from Barcelona from 2007 to 2009.

The Argentina forward is not obligated to appear in court until tomorrow when he is scheduled to give evidence before a judge.