Lionel Messi sentenced to prison for tax fraud, but unlikely to go to jail

Barcelona star Lionel Messi has been sentenced to 21 months in prison for tax fraud.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner and his father Jorge were handed the same sentence by a Spanish court, but it is understood that neither will serve time behind bars.

Under Spanish law, sentences less than two years can be suspended, so it is likely that Messi will remain out of jail unless he repeats the offence.

According to Reuters, the Argentine footballer, who has won 28 trophies with Barcelona, has also been fined €2m (£1.7m).

Messi and his father recently stood trial over allegations that they avoided paying more than £3m to the Spanish tax authorities between 2007 and 2009.