Lionel Messi will make the most out of his time away from the pitch, as he has decided to tackle all those rumours surrounding his legal problems. According to Spanish media outlets, the Argentine superstar and his family have decided to take legal actions against newspaper El Mundo, since Messi's family believes the superstar has been wrongfully accused of illegal activity concerning the "Messi and friends" tour staged since 2011 until 2013.
In a press release, Messi's family denied being involved in any illegal dealings, which have prompted an investigation from Spain's tax authorities, also stating that anyone that tries to tarnish the family's name will not go unpunished.
Messi, during one of the friendly matches played between 2011 and 2013 in a number of North American cities.
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"Neither Leo, his father nor the Foundation, which carries the Barça's player's name, "have never been part of any criminal proceedings or proceedings of any other nature in relation to the organisation of these charity matches and/or the income derived from them," can be read in the first paragraph of the press release.
"Leo or the Foundation did not receive any money for the organisation of these matches. There is no legal or judicial evidence to continue insisting on linking the player with the above mentioned tax offences," the statement continues.
Finally, the family addressed to those who have not supported their claims with evidence.
"The player and those closest to him will not tolerate this journalism that tries to associate him with false stories that go directly against his reputation. Therefore, the lawyer Gonçalves Pereira will lead legal action to guarantee Messi's honour and integrity is upkept," the press release reads.
Messi will not be able to perform with Barceloa for the next seven weeks, after coming down with an injury to his left knee.
