Lionel Messi was named last week in the Panama Papers for being involved in setting up a shell Corporation.
The fife-time Ballon d’Or winner sees his club FC Barcelona joint top with Atletico Madrid on La Liga standings, with five games to end the season.
But outside the comforts of the soccer pitch, one of the world’s most famous athletes is fighting off two financial scandals that could see him land behind bars.
This happened in the heat of an ongoing tax-evasion court case in Spain that could put him in prison for 22 months.
So far, his sponsorship deals and global image have not been affected and Messi appears unlikely to suffer a major hit to his multi million-dollar brand as long as he can stay out of prison.
Adidas, perhaps the most visible company attached to Messi in that they make his signature cleat and rely on him as a valuable asset to counter Nike’s Ronaldo, said they were aware of Messi’s situation, but did not add much.
“Adidas is aware of the on going situation regarding the Panama Papers. However, anything to do with an individual’s financial affairs is solely a matter for them and their management,” a spokesman said in a statement to International Business Times.
Messi is very popular, and represents the gold standard as an athlete partner, sports branding, experts said.
Barcelona Star Player In Serious Trouble
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