Lionel Messi claims -"I never look at the Contracts I sign" as he prepares to face court over tax evasion.

Lionel Messi has claimed he didn't read critical documents before signing them as he prepares to face court over tax evasion.

The Argentinean superstar stands accused, alongside father Jorge, of defrauding the Spanish tax authorities of over €4.1million during the period 2007-2009 and the state are asking that both father and son serve nearly two years in prison.


Public prosecutor Raquel Amado is not prosecuting Leo Messi, just Jorge, but the defense is pushing for both to be acquitted.

Spanish newspaper El Periodico claims to have had access to the footballer's witness statement made before a judge, in which he claims no knowledge of the methods used to allegedly avoid paying tax on image rights.

The paper claims Messi said: "I trust my dad, who is in charge of my things, and who tells me what I do," and was repeatedly asked to speak louder during his testimony.

I have signed things, but I never look at the contracts. I don't know what I sign."
"It's mine [the money]. At the end of the year I see the summary of what I have, of what I have done in the year. But I don't ask where the money comes from. I know what the club pays me, but nothing else, nothing else."

Accused Person: Jorge Horacio Messi

FC Barcelona forward Messi will fly back from Argentina's training camp this week to testify in Spain before flying to San Francisco for the Copa America, where his side kick-off against Chile on June 6.