Spanish court rules that Lionel Messi and his father must testify in tax case . The Barcelona star is accused of evading taxes by hiding millions from Spain to avoid paying a record fine for unpaid taxes. He is accused by Spanish tax authorities of handing in fraudulent returns . Messi , who turns 26 next Monday , is 10th on the list of the world 's highest-paid athletes as compiled by business magazine Forbes with earnings of $ 41 million . The Argentine is said to owe $ 5 million relating to image rights revenue .
Spanish court rules that Lionel Messi and his father must testify in tax case . The Barcelona star is accused of evading taxes by hiding millions from Spain to avoid paying a record fine for unpaid taxes. He is accused by Spanish tax authorities of handing in fraudulent returns . The Argentine is said to owe $ 5 million relating to image rights revenue .