Barcelona have pledged their support to Lionel Messi and his father following their sentence for tax fraud.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner was hit with a 21-month prison sentence over the charges, which allege that Messi and his father Jorge avoided paying more than £3m to Spanish authorities between 2007 and 2009.
Neither is expected to serve any time behind bars, but Barcelona have promised to support their star striker throughout his case.
"FC Barcelona gives all its support to Leo Messi and his father with relation to the sentence for tax evasion handed out by the Provincial Court in Barcelona today," read a statement on the club's official website.
"The club, in agreement with the Government prosecution service, considers that the player, who has corrected his position with the Spanish Tax Office, is in no way criminally responsible with regards to the facts underlined in this case.
"FC Barcelona continues to be at the disposal of Leo Messi and his family to support him in whatever action he decides to take in defence of his honesty and his legal interests."
Messi has scored 453 goals in 531 appearances for Barcelona, helping the club to 28 trophies.
Barney Corkhill
