Barcelona’s Lionel Messi could make a switch elsewhere if his long battle with the alleged tax evasion case sees no end. A few weeks ago, Messi and his father Jorge were accused of tax evasion and defrauding the authorities of close to £3.1m. The Argentina international will have to face a trial as the Spanish judge ignored reports of dropping the charge on the grounds of his father Jorge being responsible for his finances.
The matter ‘tax evasion’ was first brought to notice in 2013. Messi and his father Jorge made €5m corrective payments in August 2013, but despite that the case hasn’t been closed.
Now, the Mail have revealed that the complication of the case could make Messi move with Manchester City being the likely candidates. City were previously linked with the 27-year old only for his club to reveal his massive release clause which stood at somewhere close to €250m, a figure that is high even by City’s standards! However, if the 4-time Ballon d’Or winner decides to move then Barcelona will have to settle for a fee less than half of the release clause.
Manchester City aren’t the only ones interested as French giants Paris Saint-Germain are also being linked with a possible interest. However, a move to the Premier League might be more attractive to Messi who will want to test himself in the most exciting and physical league in the world.
Messi had a slightly disappointing season last time around after a torn muscle injury ruled him out from November to January. He subsequently lost out to Cristiano Ronaldo in the race for Ballon d’Or award, which ended a period of 4 continuous years of his domination over the prestigious award. This season, he looks more determined as ever after having scored 7 goals in a total of 11 appearances so far. Messi has also turned provider for teammate Neymar as he boasts 9 assists to his name.
Manchester City already has a super squad and if they manage to sign Messi somehow, it will send a strong message onf intent to other top teams in the league including Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United.