Messi's lawyers: Deal possible on tax allegations

[June 22, 2013]  BARCELONA, Spain (AP) -- Lionel Messi's lawyers insist the tax fraud allegations are baseless but say he will settle any outstanding obligations if needed.

Law firm Juarez Veciana says in a statement that the Barcelona forward "scrupulously complies with Spanish legislation."

Messi and his father Jorge have been ordered to appear before court in the town of Gava near Barcelona on Sept. 17 to answer allegations they owe 4 million euros ($5.3 million) in back taxes from 2007 to 2009.

Messi's lawyers say even though they "believe that our client has already paid what was legally obliged," the Argentina star "will pay the amount determined."

[Associated Press]

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