Lionel Messi the greatest player of all time?

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Few can argue that Lionel Messi has made an outstanding impact for Barcelona these past 10 years. His mesmerising runs with the ball glued to his feet have carved open some of the worlds best defences and left some heavyweight defenders and goalkeepers floored by his mind boggling genius that some of us can only dream of doing ourselves .

He has racked up 388 appearances and 324 goals for Barcelona, he is also a four times world player of the year, A 3 times winner of the champions league and has scored a breathtaking 73 goals in all competitions in the 2011-2012 season.

Few can argue that he has earned his place among the all time greats of world football. But to be called the greatest of all time Lionel Messi needs to weave his magic on the one place he has not done it yet. On the biggest stage of them all the World Cup.

Lionel Messi tax case delayed

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The case involving Barcelona star Lionel Messi and his father on tax evasion charges has been delayed until September 27, a court statement confirmed on Tuesday.

Messi was due to appear in court in the coastal town of Gava near Barcelona on September 17, the day before Barcelona start their Champions League campaign against Ajax.

However, the Argentine's lawyers had asked for that date to be changed due to commitments on another case on the same day.

Messi and his father Jorge Horacio Messi are accused of trying to deceive the Spanish taxman to the tune of four million euros ($5 million, A£3.4 million) by ceding the player's image rights to companies based in tax havens such as Belize and Uruguay.

They are alleged to have drawn up deals in Britain and Switzerland to ensure that the income passed straight into the tax havens without passing through Spain.

However, Messi's lawyers have claimed the 26-year-old has scrupulously complied with Spanish legislation and will pay any amount he is found to owe.

Last week a judge's ruling confirmed that Jorge Horacio Messi paid 5.02 million euros to the tax authorities as a corrective payment in August for the four million euros due in tax plus interest.

The fraud charges have come as a huge blow to Messi's previously squeaky clean reputation having avoided adverse headlines throughout his career for both his performances on the field and his behaviour off it.

The four-time World Player of the Year is one of the most marketable sportsmen in the world. Messi is ranked 10th in Forbes' list of sports stars' incomes with an annual 15.8 million euros from endorsements alone.

Lionel Messi signs For English Club

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Farnborough FC have revealed that they will have ‘Lionel Messi’, ‘Franz Beckenbauer’, ‘Paul Gascoigne’, ‘Pele’, ‘Diego Maradonna’ and ‘David Beckham’ on their books next season among others.

Before you get too excited, the team managed by ‘Jose Mourinho’ is far from the real thing. In line with a new sponsorship deal with Paddy Power each individual player has legally changed their name via deed pole to a famous player from history in their respective position. After a turbulent summer, Farnborough encountered financial trouble and were looking unlikely to start the 2013/ 2014 season. Manager Spencer Day said 'Over the summer it looked touch and go whether we’d even start the season, but now we’ve got by far the greatest team the world has ever seen”.

The change comes via the team’s new sponsors Paddy Power, who have also named Farnborough’s stadium Paddy Power Park. The club will be hoping that they can replicate some of their namesake’s achievements on the pitch this season.

Lionel Messi signs For English Club

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

Farnborough FC have revealed that they will have ‘Lionel Messi’, ‘Franz Beckenbauer’, ‘Paul Gascoigne’, ‘Pele’, ‘Diego Maradonna’ and ‘David Beckham’ on their books next season among others.

Before you get too excited, the team managed by ‘Jose Mourinho’ is far from the real thing. In line with a new sponsorship deal with Paddy Power each individual player has legally changed their name via deed pole to a famous player from history in their respective position. After a turbulent summer, Farnborough encountered financial trouble and were looking unlikely to start the 2013/ 2014 season. Manager Spencer Day said 'Over the summer it looked touch and go whether we’d even start the season, but now we’ve got by far the greatest team the world has ever seen”.

The change comes via the team’s new sponsors Paddy Power, who have also named Farnborough’s stadium Paddy Power Park. The club will be hoping that they can replicate some of their namesake’s achievements on the pitch this season.

Lionel Messi factfile

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AppId is over the quota

Factfile on Lionel Messi, who was on Wednesday accused by Spanish financial crimes prosecutors, along with his father, of tax fraud worth more than four million euros ($5 million):

Full name: Lionel Andres Messi

Nationality: Argentinian

Birthdate: June 24, 1987 - age 25

Birthplace: Rosario, Argentina

Height: 1.69m (5ft 7in)

Club: Barcelona (ESP)

Major honours: Three Champions Leagues, six league titles in Spain, two Spanish Cups, two Super Cups, two Club World Cups, Olympic gold (2008), World Under-20 (2005)

Personal honours: Four Ballon D'Or awards (2009-12), La Liga leading scorer 2009-2010 (34 goals), 2011-2012 (50 goals) and 2012-13 (46 goals)

Four times Champions League leading scorer (2008-2009: 9 goals; 2009-2010: 8 goals; 2010-2011: 12 goals, 2011-2012: 14 goals)

Record for goals in one Champions League campaign (14 in 2011-2012)

"Record" for goals scored in a calendar year: 91 (2012) - though it hasn't been ratified by FIFA owing to unreliable statistics for other players in previous eras.

2008 Olympic player of the tournament

Best player of World Under-20 tournament (2005)

Leading scorer World Under-20 tournament (2005), 6 goals

International caps: 81 (32 goals)

Barcelona star Lionel Messi Summoned to Court

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AppId is over the quota

Lionel Messi has been summoned to appear in court on 17 September, following allegations of tax fraud.

Spanish authorities claim the 25-year-old, and his father Jorge, have evaded payments totalling more than €4m (£3.4m) due from the sale of the Barcelona star's image rights.

Summons were warranted following a complaint, signed by prosecutor Raquel Amado, which was filed with a courthouse in the Gava district of Barcelona on 12 June.

Both Argentineans deny the allegations, and a statement from Messi issued via Facebook earlier this month said: "We have just known through the media about the claim filed by the Spanish tax authorities. We are surprised about the news, because we have never committed any infringement.

"We have always fulfilled all our tax obligations, following the advice of our tax consultants, who will take care of clarifying this situation."

According to Spanish news agency Efe, the four-time World Player of the Year could face up to six years in prison if convicted.

Lionel Messi faces tax charges

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AppId is over the quota

Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi has had a lawsuit filed against him for avoiding tax payments.

The 25-year-old striker, along with his father, Jorge Horacio Messi, are both accused of three offenses against the public purse for allegedly defrauding more than €4million in income tax returns in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

The complaint, signed by prosecutor Raquel Amado - a state prosecutor for the northeastern region of Catalonia, was submitted for trial at the courthouse in Gava, where the €11million a-year Argentine lives.

A judge at the courthouse must accept the prosecutor's lawsuit before charges can be brought against Messi and his father.

Barcelona declined to comment on the lawsuit.

Barcelona Star Lionel Messi has lawsuit filed against him for avoiding tax payments

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi has had a lawsuit filed against him for avoiding tax payments.

The 25-year-old striker, along with his father, Jorge Horacio Messi, are both accused of three offenses against the public purse for allegedly defrauding more than €4million in income tax returns in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

The complaint, signed by prosecutor Raquel Amado - a state prosecutor for the northeastern region of Catalonia, was submitted for trial at the courthouse in Gava, where the €11million a-year Argentine lives.

A judge at the courthouse must accept the prosecutor's lawsuit before charges can be brought against Messi and his father.

Barcelona declined to comment on the lawsuit.

Messi is enjoying a day off after playing for his national team in Quito, where Argentina was held to 1-1 by Ecuador in a qualifying match for the World Cup.

Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella has said Messi was expected to be included in the line up for a friendly against Guatemala on Friday.

Lionel Messi factfile

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

Factfile on Lionel Messi, who was on Wednesday accused by Spanish financial crimes prosecutors, along with his father, of tax fraud worth more than four million euros ($5 million):

Full name: Lionel Andres Messi

Nationality: Argentinian

Birthdate: June 24, 1987 - age 25

Birthplace: Rosario, Argentina

Height: 1.69m (5ft 7in)

Club: Barcelona (ESP)

Major honours: Three Champions Leagues, six league titles in Spain, two Spanish Cups, two Super Cups, two Club World Cups, Olympic gold (2008), World Under-20 (2005)

Personal honours: Four Ballon D'Or awards (2009-12), La Liga leading scorer 2009-2010 (34 goals), 2011-2012 (50 goals) and 2012-13 (46 goals)

Four times Champions League leading scorer (2008-2009: 9 goals; 2009-2010: 8 goals; 2010-2011: 12 goals, 2011-2012: 14 goals)

Record for goals in one Champions League campaign (14 in 2011-2012)

"Record" for goals scored in a calendar year: 91 (2012) - though it hasn't been ratified by FIFA owing to unreliable statistics for other players in previous eras.

2008 Olympic player of the tournament

Best player of World Under-20 tournament (2005)

Leading scorer World Under-20 tournament (2005), 6 goals

International caps: 81 (32 goals)

Barcelona Star Lionel Messi has lawsuit filed against him for avoiding tax payments

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi has had a lawsuit filed against him for avoiding tax payments.

The 25-year-old striker, along with his father, Jorge Horacio Messi, are both accused of three offenses against the public purse for allegedly defrauding more than €4million in income tax returns in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

The complaint, signed by prosecutor Raquel Amado - a state prosecutor for the northeastern region of Catalonia, was submitted for trial at the courthouse in Gava, where the €11million a-year Argentine lives.

A judge at the courthouse must accept the prosecutor's lawsuit before charges can be brought against Messi and his father.

Barcelona declined to comment on the lawsuit.

Messi is enjoying a day off after playing for his national team in Quito, where Argentina was held to 1-1 by Ecuador in a qualifying match for the World Cup.

Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella has said Messi was expected to be included in the line up for a friendly against Guatemala on Friday.

Lionel Messi faces tax charges

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi has had a lawsuit filed against him for avoiding tax payments.

The 25-year-old striker, along with his father, Jorge Horacio Messi, are both accused of three offenses against the public purse for allegedly defrauding more than €4million in income tax returns in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

The complaint, signed by prosecutor Raquel Amado - a state prosecutor for the northeastern region of Catalonia, was submitted for trial at the courthouse in Gava, where the €11million a-year Argentine lives.

A judge at the courthouse must accept the prosecutor's lawsuit before charges can be brought against Messi and his father.

Barcelona declined to comment on the lawsuit.

Barcelona star Lionel Messi Summoned to Court

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

Lionel Messi has been summoned to appear in court on 17 September, following allegations of tax fraud.

Spanish authorities claim the 25-year-old, and his father Jorge, have evaded payments totalling more than €4m (£3.4m) due from the sale of the Barcelona star's image rights.

Summons were warranted following a complaint, signed by prosecutor Raquel Amado, which was filed with a courthouse in the Gava district of Barcelona on 12 June.

Both Argentineans deny the allegations, and a statement from Messi issued via Facebook earlier this month said: "We have just known through the media about the claim filed by the Spanish tax authorities. We are surprised about the news, because we have never committed any infringement.

"We have always fulfilled all our tax obligations, following the advice of our tax consultants, who will take care of clarifying this situation."

According to Spanish news agency Efe, the four-time World Player of the Year could face up to six years in prison if convicted.

Barcelona star Lionel Messi Summoned to Court

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

Lionel Messi has been summoned to appear in court on 17 September, following allegations of tax fraud.

Spanish authorities claim the 25-year-old, and his father Jorge, have evaded payments totalling more than €4m (£3.4m) due from the sale of the Barcelona star's image rights.

Summons were warranted following a complaint, signed by prosecutor Raquel Amado, which was filed with a courthouse in the Gava district of Barcelona on 12 June.

Both Argentineans deny the allegations, and a statement from Messi issued via Facebook earlier this month said: "We have just known through the media about the claim filed by the Spanish tax authorities. We are surprised about the news, because we have never committed any infringement.

"We have always fulfilled all our tax obligations, following the advice of our tax consultants, who will take care of clarifying this situation."

According to Spanish news agency Efe, the four-time World Player of the Year could face up to six years in prison if convicted.

Lionel Messi faces tax charges

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi has had a lawsuit filed against him for avoiding tax payments.

The 25-year-old striker, along with his father, Jorge Horacio Messi, are both accused of three offenses against the public purse for allegedly defrauding more than €4million in income tax returns in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

The complaint, signed by prosecutor Raquel Amado - a state prosecutor for the northeastern region of Catalonia, was submitted for trial at the courthouse in Gava, where the €11million a-year Argentine lives.

A judge at the courthouse must accept the prosecutor's lawsuit before charges can be brought against Messi and his father.

Barcelona declined to comment on the lawsuit.

Lionel Messi factfile

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

Factfile on Lionel Messi, who was on Wednesday accused by Spanish financial crimes prosecutors, along with his father, of tax fraud worth more than four million euros ($5 million):

Full name: Lionel Andres Messi

Nationality: Argentinian

Birthdate: June 24, 1987 - age 25

Birthplace: Rosario, Argentina

Height: 1.69m (5ft 7in)

Club: Barcelona (ESP)

Major honours: Three Champions Leagues, six league titles in Spain, two Spanish Cups, two Super Cups, two Club World Cups, Olympic gold (2008), World Under-20 (2005)

Personal honours: Four Ballon D'Or awards (2009-12), La Liga leading scorer 2009-2010 (34 goals), 2011-2012 (50 goals) and 2012-13 (46 goals)

Four times Champions League leading scorer (2008-2009: 9 goals; 2009-2010: 8 goals; 2010-2011: 12 goals, 2011-2012: 14 goals)

Record for goals in one Champions League campaign (14 in 2011-2012)

"Record" for goals scored in a calendar year: 91 (2012) - though it hasn't been ratified by FIFA owing to unreliable statistics for other players in previous eras.

2008 Olympic player of the tournament

Best player of World Under-20 tournament (2005)

Leading scorer World Under-20 tournament (2005), 6 goals

International caps: 81 (32 goals)

Barcelona Star Lionel Messi has lawsuit filed against him for avoiding tax payments

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi has had a lawsuit filed against him for avoiding tax payments.

The 25-year-old striker, along with his father, Jorge Horacio Messi, are both accused of three offenses against the public purse for allegedly defrauding more than €4million in income tax returns in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

The complaint, signed by prosecutor Raquel Amado - a state prosecutor for the northeastern region of Catalonia, was submitted for trial at the courthouse in Gava, where the €11million a-year Argentine lives.

A judge at the courthouse must accept the prosecutor's lawsuit before charges can be brought against Messi and his father.

Barcelona declined to comment on the lawsuit.

Messi is enjoying a day off after playing for his national team in Quito, where Argentina was held to 1-1 by Ecuador in a qualifying match for the World Cup.

Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella has said Messi was expected to be included in the line up for a friendly against Guatemala on Friday.

Barcelona Star Lionel Messi has lawsuit filed against him for avoiding tax payments

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi has had a lawsuit filed against him for avoiding tax payments.

The 25-year-old striker, along with his father, Jorge Horacio Messi, are both accused of three offenses against the public purse for allegedly defrauding more than €4million in income tax returns in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

The complaint, signed by prosecutor Raquel Amado - a state prosecutor for the northeastern region of Catalonia, was submitted for trial at the courthouse in Gava, where the €11million a-year Argentine lives.

A judge at the courthouse must accept the prosecutor's lawsuit before charges can be brought against Messi and his father.

Barcelona declined to comment on the lawsuit.

Messi is enjoying a day off after playing for his national team in Quito, where Argentina was held to 1-1 by Ecuador in a qualifying match for the World Cup.

Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella has said Messi was expected to be included in the line up for a friendly against Guatemala on Friday.

Lionel Messi factfile

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

Factfile on Lionel Messi, who was on Wednesday accused by Spanish financial crimes prosecutors, along with his father, of tax fraud worth more than four million euros ($5 million):

Full name: Lionel Andres Messi

Nationality: Argentinian

Birthdate: June 24, 1987 - age 25

Birthplace: Rosario, Argentina

Height: 1.69m (5ft 7in)

Club: Barcelona (ESP)

Major honours: Three Champions Leagues, six league titles in Spain, two Spanish Cups, two Super Cups, two Club World Cups, Olympic gold (2008), World Under-20 (2005)

Personal honours: Four Ballon D'Or awards (2009-12), La Liga leading scorer 2009-2010 (34 goals), 2011-2012 (50 goals) and 2012-13 (46 goals)

Four times Champions League leading scorer (2008-2009: 9 goals; 2009-2010: 8 goals; 2010-2011: 12 goals, 2011-2012: 14 goals)

Record for goals in one Champions League campaign (14 in 2011-2012)

"Record" for goals scored in a calendar year: 91 (2012) - though it hasn't been ratified by FIFA owing to unreliable statistics for other players in previous eras.

2008 Olympic player of the tournament

Best player of World Under-20 tournament (2005)

Leading scorer World Under-20 tournament (2005), 6 goals

International caps: 81 (32 goals)