Barcelona are supporting Lionel Messi after Spain's Supreme Court rejected his appeal against his tax conviction on Wednesday.

The player's 21-month prison sentence for tax fraud was upheld, while his father Jorge Messi's 21-month sentence was cut to one of the 15-month variety and Barcelona have reiterated their support for the pair.

"Barcelona wish to express their support for Lionel Messi and his father after the ruling from the Supreme Court," club spokesperson Josep Vives said.

"President [Josep Maria] Bartomeu has been in contact with Jorge Messi to express this support and he has expressed his appreciation of the club's gesture.

"Barcelona will always continue to support the player."

Due to the way the Spanish justice system works, neither Messi nor his father are expected to serve any time in prison.