Lionel Messi was spotted preparing for sentencing after his tax fraud trial in the best possible way – by attempting to squander his entire fortune on blackjack. Messi and his father, who is also part of the same trial, were spotted in the casino at the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island, Bahamas (which is well worth a visit by the way).
Yes that really is him in the photo. Yahoo sports has more photos if you want a closer look.
Messi Jr did not want to be approached while gaming, so suggestions that he was trying to lose his fortune at the table to keep it out of the grips of the Spanish tax man were not confirmed. But witnesses reported that he seemed in good spirits. Perhaps they comped him a room.
You might assume that Messi, as a multiple Ballon D’Or winner, might be better suited to football betting than to table games. Perhaps he’s still trying to figure out which bookie is best for football, or maybe he’s waiting for the new Premier League season to start (he wouldn’t be allowed to bet on La Liga games, that would land him in even more trouble with the authorities!)
We don’t know how many 21’s came up during Messi’s spell at the table, but we do know that one came up next day when the court revealed the outcome of the case. Messi was sentenced to 21 months (which he won’t actually have to serve, bizarrely) but plans to appeal anyway.
May as well clear your name if you’re innocent I say. Plus he can afford the legal fees.