LaLiga chief Tebas: I don't consider Messi a criminal

LaLiga president Javier Tebas has no problem with Lionel Messi playing in Spain's top flight, despite his conviction for tax fraud.

LaLiga president Javier Tebas says he does not consider Lionel Messi to be a criminal, despite him being found guilty of tax fraud.

The Barcelona star was given a 2 million euro ($2.2 million) fine and a prison sentence of 21 months after a Spanish court ruled he had evaded tax to the tune of €4.1M ($4.6M), though he will be able to serve the jail term on probation as his offense was non-violent.

Reports in Spain on Wednesday have suggested the state prosecutor will not appeal the sentence, although Messi's legal team is expected to take its defense to the Supreme…