The national British broadcaster BBC quotes the Spanish media, according to which, "Barcelona" star Lionel Messi has been sentenced to 21 months for tax evasion.
However, he will not have to try out the prison cell - the Argentine will serve his sentence on probation.
This is allowed by Spanish laws, according to which only those who are sentenced to more than two years automatically go behind bars.
Lionel Messi and father sentenced to 21 months for tax fraud but will not have to go to prison @AP_Sports
— Rob Harris (@RobHarris) July 6, 2016
His father Jorge received the same sentence, having earned 4.1 million euros in Spain between 2007 and 2009.
During the trial, the prosecutors said that tax havens in Belize and Uruguay were used to hide the player's income.
Lionel Messi himself said he "knew nothing" about these matters.
The Barcelona forward will also have to pay around 1.7 million pounds to the court, while his father will pay 1.27 million, according to "Sky Sports".
