Lionel Messi and his father, Jorge Messi, have been sentenced to 21 months in prison for tax fraud, but he's unlikely to spend any actual time behind bars.

The court of Catalonia on Wednesday found that the Messis had evaded tax on Lionel’s image rights, with more than €4 million owed in back payments. But because the court’s sentence was less than two years and neither Messi has a criminal record, neither will be sent to prison.

Messi said he “knew nothing” about his financial affairs, while his father said he was told by a legal adviser that the practice was legal.

“FC Barcelona gives all its support to Leo Messi and his father with relation to the sentence for tax evasion handed out by the Provincial Court in Barcelona today,” read a statement from the Spanish champions.

“The Club, in agreement with the Government prosecution service, considers that the player, who has corrected his position with the Spanish Tax Office, is in no way criminally responsible with regards to the facts underlined in this case.

“FC Barcelona continues to be at the disposal of Leo Messi and his family to support him in whatever action he decides to take in defence of his honesty and his legal interests.”