After two years of investigation, the case of football superstar Lionel Messi, suspected of financial fraud at charity matches in Spain, is closed.
the essentials in brief
- An ex-employee had filed a complaint against Lionel Messi and his family.
- Messi’s foundation enriched itself inadmissibly with charity games.
- Now the case has been filed.
The money laundering investigation into Lionel Messi has been closed. That was ordered by the judge responsible at the National Court of Justice in Madrid. The case had been filed.
It was said that no evidence of criminal or illegal activities was discovered. Messi, his family and his foundation were accused of falsification of accounts, tax fraud and money laundering.
Ex-employee raised allegations against Lionel Messi
According to media reports, a former employee of the “Fundación Leo Messi” filed a complaint in June 2019. He had assured that the foundation had illegally enriched itself by organizing charity games.
After more than 20 years at the Spanish top club FC Barcelona, Lionel Messi is currently without a club. The last contract between the 34-year-old striker and the club from Catalonia expired on June 30th.
According to Spanish media reports, both sides have already agreed on a new contract until 2026. The draft contract contains an exit clause of 600 million euros. The player would accept significant cuts in salaries, it was said.
Messi also crowned himself with Argentina
Messi, who is currently on vacation in the US state of Florida, wanted to leave Barça last summer after a few sporting low blows. His plan failed because of the exit clause and the veto of then President Josep Bartomeu.
With 35 titles, 672 goals and 778 games, the man from Rosario made history in the Catalan club. He also recently won his first major title with Argentina. At the Copa America, the «Selección» defeated arch-rivals Brazil 1-0 in the final.
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