LIONEL MESSI IS NOT A CRIMINAL - LA LIGA PRESIDENT

LIONEL MSSI

La Liga president Javier Tebas has spoken out in support of Lionel Messi, saying that he does not consider the Barcelona star “a criminal.”

Messi, and his father, Jorge Horacio Messi, were found guilty of three counts of tax fraud earlier this month and were handed 21-month suspended jail sentences.

Tebas, however, believes that fans shouldn’t hold the conviction against the five time Ballon d’Or winner and has urged the Argentine to stay in Spain’s premiere competion.A

“I’ve already spoken about Messi — I don’t consider him a criminal and I’m happy with him staying in La Liga,” Tebas said on Wednesday.

 “There are still options for the player and we have to wait for the final decision.”

Barcelona launched a campaign this week using the hashtag #WeAreAllLeoMessi, urging fans to “express their sympathy” with the player which has been met with widespread condemnation.