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Lionel Messi Tax Fraud Charges Dropped in Relation to Charity Matches

Allegations of tax fraud against FC Barcelona star Lionel Messi were dropped on Monday after a Spanish judge determined he did not receive payment for playing in charity matches from 2012 and 2013.

According to a Sport English report, the judge determined there was "no evidence" Messi was paid or used the games to defraud the Spanish government. Guillermo Javier Martin, who organized the six charity matches, said Messi was not paid for his appearances. He did, however, indicate Messi had his travel expenses and other accommodations paid for, which is not a violation of any laws.