Spanish court sentences Lionel Messi, father to 21 months in jail for tax fraud

But they may not be jailed as first offenders can serve prison terms under two years on probation under Spanish law

A Spanish court on Wednesday sentenced FC Barcelona's Argentine football star Lionel Messi and his father to a prison term for tax fraud committed between 2007 and 2009.

The Barcelona Provincial Court ruled that Messi and his father, Jorge Messi, had committed three counts of tax fraud that were punishable with 21 months (one year and 9 months) in prison, reports Efe.

Fines of two million euros and 1.5 million euros were imposed on Messi and father, respectively

In Spanish law, it is not mandatory for a first offender to go to prison if the sentence is under two years.

The sentence can be appealed before the Spanish Supreme Court.