Barcelona and Argentina superstar, Lionel Messi, has been summoned along with his father Jorge to appear in court for questioning on charges of tax evasion.

The two Messis will face questions on 17 September regarding allegations that they secreted millions of euros worth of image rights money in offshore bank accounts.

The court hearing will be to determine if a larger tax evasion case should take place.

The court in the town of Gava near Barcelona accepted the state prosecutor’s complaint that Messi and his father resisted paying up to €4 million worth of taxes.

Prosecutor Raquel Amada says the Messi men submitted fraudulent tax returns in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

Messi denied the charge on his Facebook account earlier this month.

"We have just known through the media about the claim filed by the Spanish tax authorities. We are surprised about the news, because we have never committed any infringement,” he said.

"We have always fulfilled all our tax obligations, following the advice of our tax consultants, who will take care of clarifying this situation."