Lionel Messi's advisor has reportedly misused funds raised in the FC Barcelona star's charity matches and sent them to tax havens.
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Guillermo Marin, who reportedly co-organised and represented Messi for the games, has admitted to Spanish police that he misused funds from charity events, which he set up for Messi in 2012 and 2013.
"The matches hailed as charity events for good causes under the slogan 'Messi and Friends vs. The Rest of the World' held in four counties in the Americas in the summer months of 2012 and 2013 were neither for charity nor good causes," writes Spanish newspaper El Pais, as quoted by Marca.
According to the report, which reveals an investigation by the Civil Guard, these charity matches were supposed to raise money for Messi's foundation.
However, "a web of companies and money transfers to tax havens: Curacao (southeast Caribbean) and Hong Kong (China)," cast a dark shadow over the matches, which were supposed raise funds to help to use sport as a tool for the development and social integration of Argentine children and young people.
The report claims that Marin made a statement to Madrid police in June committing "serious contradictions and omissions".
"Finally, when backed into a corner by the officers' questions, he admitted that he ordered the transfer of funds (an unspecified sum) to an account held with the First Caribbean International Bank of Curacao in the name of the company Mandatos Valneg," the report concludes.
However, the report didn't reveal whether Messi had any knowledge of Marin's actions.
The "Leo Messi Foundation" was created in 2007 with the wish that all children should have the same opportunities to make their dreams come true, and to promote equality among children and young people in education and health.
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How would you react if you were Messi and you found out about the misuse of funds? Have your say in the comments section below.
