10 Things Lionel Messi Wants You To Forget About

10. The Tax Evasion Accusations
Messi finds himself currently embroiled in an ongoing tax evasion with the Spanish authorities over allegations he evaded more than ‚4m in taxes. The accusations date back to between 2007 and 2009, where Messi is alleged to have used Belize and Uruguay-based companies to funnel incomes based upon his image rights.

Obviously Messi is hardly the first high profile star, or even footballer, to use such loopholes to avoid paying so much in taxes. Yet the timing isn€™t ideal, with Spanish authorities newly vigilant in clamping down on footballer€™s financial misdealings. Iker Casillas, Xabi Alonso and David Villa are just three footballers to have been fingered by the Spanish government in the last couple of years, with all three paying back millions to settle their cases out of court. Messi has himself paid a sum of ‚5m to the treasury in the hope of a similar resolution.

Messi€™s legal team hoped the settlement, along with the defence that Messi is innocent by virtue of ignorance (his father deals with his financial earnings) would be enough to make the accusations go away. Spanish authorities appear less keen, however. And unlikely as it may seem, if found guilty then Messi could feasibly serve up to six years in prison according to Spanish law.


9. He's Prone To Losing His Temper With Teammates And Opponents

Messi possesses one of the most impeccable public images in football. Carefully cultivated by himself and his team of advisors, there€™s very rarely any salacious gossip or on the pitch controversies that could potentially muddy the player€™s brand. Yet occasionally the mask has been known to slip. Frustrations are known to mount. There€™s this time he insulted the mother of a referee, or the time he allegedly racially taunted then-Hercules opponent Royston Drenthe.

He has even been known to take his frustrations out on his teammates. Reports arose in 2013 suggesting the hitherto-angelic Messi liked to bully his teammates. Quotes published in Spain€™s El Confidencial claimed he€™d reduced youngster Christian Tello to tears, as well as criticising Alexis Sanchez, apparently saying, €œConsidering how bad you are, I've no idea how you cost so much," and, "Stop shooting so much and give me the ball."

These claims are admittedly little more than hearsay. Similar rumours are rife in every dressing room. But Messi does have previous when it comes to abusing teammates. This video shows David Villa bearing the brunt of Messi€™s frustrations, in an incident stemming from Villa electing to not pass the ball Messi€™s way.