5 current and former Barcelona players who were caught for tax evasion

#1 Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi and his father, Jorge Messi, were both charged by Spanish authorities and sentenced to 21-months of jail term for failing to pay almost €4 million in taxes during the Argentine's playing career at Barcelona.

Now a Spanish citizen, Messi used offshore companies in Belize and Uruguay to conceal a large portion of his income that he received from image rights. And while he admitted he know nothing of the affair given his father handles all his financial dealings, he was still slapped with a jail term of 21 months.

But Messi wouldn't have to physically go to jail given the duration is less for two years and that he lacks a prior criminal record. Another caveat was also that he'd be free to roam as long as he didn't repeat the offence during the time of his sentence.

“FC Barcelona gives all its support to Leo Messi and his father with relation to the sentence for tax evasion handed out by the provincial court in Barcelona today,” read a statement from the defending Spanish champions.

“The club, in agreement with the government prosecution service, considers that the player, who has corrected his position with the Spanish tax office, is in no way criminally responsible with regards to the facts underlined in this case.

“FC Barcelona continues to be at the disposal of Leo Messi and his family to support him in whatever action he decides to take in defence of his honesty and his legal interests.”