FC Barcelona and Brazilian forward Neymar have declared their support to Lionel Messi after the Argentine star was handed a 21-month sentence for tax fraud and a £1.7 million fine but is likely to escape serve time.
Messi also announced his shocking retirement from International football in the wake of his national team’s defeat in the final of Copa America last month. Argentina’s defeat into the hands of Chile was Messi’s fourth final on an international stage but the 29-year-old has failed to win a single major trophy.
But Neymar, who himself was fined almost £40 million by Brazilian court for evading tax on his sponsorship deals, has proclaimed his support for his attacking partner at the Catalan club.