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Lionel Messi handed 21-month sentence for tax fraud, but won’t actually go to prison
So if you’ve been considering defrauding the citizens of Spain, know that there will be no serious consequences for doing so.
Alex Caparros/Getty Images
Lionel Messi and his father have been found guilty of tax fraud and handed a 21-month sentence, but they’re unlikely to serve any time behind bars. Messi was also fined €2 million, while his father was handed a €1.5 million fine. Messi claimed he knew absolutely nothing about the tax evasion scheme set up by his handlers, while his father blamed tax advisers.
Under Spanish law, sentences under two years are often suspended for people who do not have any prior convictions. Lionel and Jorge Messi are expected to have their sentences suspended, and will only serve them if they commit similar offenses in the next two years.
Classic goal compilation of the day
One year ago, the USWNT won the World Cup. Here are all of Carli Lloyd’s goals.
In the news
Argentina manager Gerardo Martino has resigned due to problems with AFA and forming an Olympic squad. (AFA)
The Argentine Olympic Committee president says his country might not be able to field a team in the men’s soccer tournament. (ESPN FC)
UEFA, who are the police, don’t want kids of footballers on the pitch anymore. (Guardian)
Álvaro Morata has officially left Juventus. (Juventus)
Atlético Madrid has officially signed Šime Vrsaljko. (Atlético Madrid)
José Mourinho says he promotes lots of youth players. Here’s his pretty crappy record of that. (Telegraph)
You should be reading
Greg Evans on movies that use soccer as a great plot device. (The Set Pieces)
Albinko Hasic on Zlatan Ibrahimovic landing in the perfect spot to keep being great. (These Football Times)
Tim Vickery on the return of Copa Libertadores, which has two big favorites and two clear underdogs. (ESPN FC)
From the rumor mill
Please don’t take anything in this section too seriously, for your own sanity.
Arsenal is going after Alexandre Lacazette. (Telegraph)
But also Álvaro Morata, who’s going to be harder to get and cost more. (Evening Standard)
Chelsea made a £40 million bid for Valencia’s André Gomes, which was rejected. (Mirror)
John Stones told Everton he wants to leave, presumably to join up with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. (Mail)
Sampdoria would like to sign Mario Balotelli. (Guardian)
Every big Serie A team wants Marko Pjaca. (Football Italia)
What to watch on Wednesday (click for listings; all times ET)
Euro 2016: Portugal vs. Wales (3 p.m.) -- Bale vs. Ronaldo. Watch it.
Copa Libertadores: São Paulo vs. Atlético Nacional (8:45 p.m.) -- The first of two semifinals.
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