Messi in cash bid to avoid jail

Footballer Lionel Messi has offered to pay an additional fine of 500,000 euros (£439,000) to ensure he avoids a 21-month prison sentence for tax fraud that a judge is expected to suspend.

The fine-for-time deal was presented by Messi’s lawyers to the judge who will rule on whether to suspend his sentence – as is expected – state prosecutor Isabel Lopez Riera said. Ms Lopez Riera said she has told the judge her office does not oppose the deal.

Messi’s lawyers have made a similar offer for the Argentina player’s father, Jorge Horacio Messi, Ms Lopez Riera said. He is offering to pay 360,000 euros (£316,000) to avoid a 15-month sentence for helping his son cheat on taxes.