Lionel Messi has released a statement denying any wrongdoing after reports claiming the Spanish tax authorities are investigating allegations he and his father defrauded the state of £3.4million. The Barcelona star and his father, Jorge Horacio, were suspected of filing fraudulent tax returns between 2007 and 2009.

The 25-year-old Argentina international said, in a statement on his official Facebook page.

"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.

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