Spanish authorities believe some of their distinguished guests are not being judged as normal people. Particularly, Lionel Messi's problems with the country's tax authorities have sparked criticism by Comunist party member Alberto Garzon. The Spanish legislator revealed that it is his belief that the Argentinian is receiving special treatment for being a famous footballer, adding that convicting Barcelona's Number 10 for deceiving the authorities is almost impossible.
"In this country, if your name's Messi, and you pay whatever money's necessary and negotiate with his ministry, you don't go to prison. That's not justice; it's unworthy of the name," Garzon said.
Messi and his father Jorge, who is in charge of representing the Argentinian superstar, denied any wrongdoing concerning the player's tax payments between 2007 and 2009, with the player being accused of defrauding Spanish authorities by failing to pay four million euros to the Spanish IRS. The Messis paid five million euros back in 2013, a payment they labeled as a "corrective payment".
Spanish newspapers have suggested that Messi was unaware of any illegal activities performed by his father to his name, but the judge in charge of the case stated that despite not being notified of such actions, the player could be subject for punishment.
The player is yet to make a statement about the matter, while the judge continues to evaluate all evidence involved in this case.
Alberto Garzón, member of the Spanish comunist party.
