Today, a Spanish court sentenced Argentine footballer Lionel Messi to 21 months in prison for tax fraud.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner and his father Jorge were handed the same sentence by a Spanish court, but it is understood that neither will serve time behind bars.

Under Spanish law, sentences less than two years can be suspended, so it is likely that Messi will remain out of jail unless he repeats the offence.

Featured image: Messi leaves court in Barcelona after testifying. Via Sky Sports.