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Barcelona launch Messi support campaign after tax fraud sentence

Sunday, 10 July 2016 6:38 AM [ Last Update: Sunday, 10 July 2016 8:05 AM ]

Using the hashtag #WeAreAllLeoMessi while posting a photo or message with both hands open, the campaign is encouraging all Barca fans to express their support for Lionel Messy. © FC Barcelona

La Liga champions Barcelona have set up a campaign in support of their superstar Lionel Messi after he appealed against a 21-month prison sentence for tax fraud imposed by a Catalan court.

The court found both Messi and his father guilty of three counts of defrauding Spain of 4.1 million Euros.

The Barcelona court also fined Messi 2 million Euros and his father 1.5 million Euros, for using tax havens in Belize and Uruguay.

Under Spanish law, sentences under two years are usually suspended but, nonetheless, Barca have called on supporters to voice their unconditional support on social networks.

Messi is Argentina's career-leading scorer with 55 goals in 113 international appearances, while winning four Champions League titles and three Club World Cup trophies with Barcelona.

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