Messi's tax evasion appeal rejected by court

Barcelona: Football superstar Lionel Messi's appeal against allegations of tax evasion was rejected by a city court here and the striker would have to stand trial.

The Argentine, who plays for Spanish club FC Barcelona, and his father are accused of tax frauds totalling 4.1 million euros ($4.63 m) between 2006 and 2009.

It is alleged that Jorge sold his son's image rights using companies in countries like Belize and Uruguay to avoid Spanish tax obligations, reports goal.com on Wednesday.

The court said in October 2014 that Messi would have to stand trial for the allegations, despite his saying he was not guilty or fully aware of what had happened.