Could Lionel Messi’s 21-month sentence lead to a move away from Barcelona?

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Shockwaves were sent through the footballing world today as a Spanish judge handed Lionel Messi a 21-month prison sentence and €2 million fine for tax evasion. Spanish law however, means that as it is his first offence and less than a 24 month sentence, it will be a suspended sentence. However, it still casts doubts over Messi’s long term future in Spain, with a move to the Premier League seeming increasingly likely.

At first glance, some have criticised the sentence as lenient, but by looking at the facts, it is anything but. Prosecutors in the case asked for an 18 month sentence, yet the judge gave him 21 months, and whilst a 2002 study found that 98.5% of tax evaders were given a suspended sentence by the judge, but Messi has been made an example of. It must also be remembered that the deal at the heart of the trial was signed when Messi was just 18 years old, and since then pays 53% of his income each year in taxes, over €100 million.

Given the severity of the sentence, it only adds to the feeling that Messi has increasingly become vulnerable to; that he is being targeted by the Madrid based media. Having shown his human side with his emotional retirement from international duty with Argentina after the Copa America final defeat, following criticism from the press and fans, and some Barca fans will fear a similar situation could occur at the Camp Nou.

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Rumours last year suggested that Messi could have been considering a move to the Premier League with Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United all linked before he eventually signed an extension to his Barcelona contract. With such negative attention from the authorities and the Madrid based press, such as Marca and AS, he may once again be forced to consider his long term future at the Catalan club.

Despite Pep Guardiola’s recent declaration that Messi will stay at the Camp Nou for the rest of his career, a move to the Etihad on big wages and reunited with a manager which he is known to hold in high esteem may prove tempting for the world’s best player.

With Neymar facing a similar case in Spanish courts, and PSG and Manchester United both said to be prepared to break the bank to get him, this could be just the start of a tough battle for Barcelona to retain two of their jewels in their famous, deadly MSN attacking trio.

Whilst the idea of Messi and Neymar in the Premier League may prove exciting for English football fans, it would undoubtedly provide challenges to the two players to adapt to the more physical style of football, and would dismantle one of the greatest teams in recent history in the process.

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