Jail sentence against Messi to stand.

A 21-month jail term given to Barcelona and Argentina star Lionel Messi has been confirmed by Spain’s Supreme Court. The five-times World Player of the Year is unlikely to go to jail, however.

Messi and his father Jorge were found guilty on three charges of tax fraud. Both were accused of defrauding the country of €4.1m in taxes. Jorge Messi’s jail term was reduced because he paid some of his taxes.

In Spain however and jail sentence under two years is not served in a prison but rather under probation. Messi’s lawyer was not available for comment.

By Jimmy Modise