Football Football Messi denies tax evasion in Panama Papers scandal Barcelona forward Messi has been accused of "setting up a tax fraud network" by using Panamian company Mega Star Enterprises. AFP Barcelona 04 April, 2016 22:50 IST Barcelona and Argentina forward Lionel Messi. - AP AFP Barcelona 04 April, 2016 22:50 IST The family of Lionel Messi denied on Monday that he was involved in tax evasion after the football star emerged as one of many personalities accused of shady offshore dealings in the so-called Panama Papers scandal. "The Messi family wants to make clear that Lionel Messi has not carried out any of the acts attributed to him, and accusations he created a... tax evasion plot, including a network of money-laundering, are false and insulting," it said in a statement. Support Sportstar Dear Reader, Support our journalism — where text and pictures intermingle so seamlessly — and help us scale up your experience as the world changes around us. Your contribution is vital to our brand of uninfluenced, boots-on-the-ground reportage that’s worth your while. Clickbait sensationalism is not for us, but editorial independence is — we owe it to you. Support Quality Journalism Subscribe to our daily newsletter Get your daily dose of Sportstar with handpicked stories delivered right to your inbox! SUBSCRIBE Please enter a valid email address. Dugout videos