Adorable Messi in a mess

Lionel Messi is in a soup. His and his father's 21-month sentence in prison and a fine of 3.6 million euros by a Spanish court for tax evasion has come as a great shock to millions of his fans the world over. This is a development in contrast to the most adorable image of the finest footballer of the time. The current Ballon d'Or holder was in tears when he missed the penalty he took. Totally devastated, Messi announced his retirement from all international competitions in Argentina's jersey.

On that day, he considered it a divine curse. He has won laurels no one has matched yet for Barcelona. There are records galore but when it comes to playing for his country, something goes wrong. Last time also his team lost to the same opponent and similar fashions -in penalty shoot-out. Then in the World Cup in Brazil it was so near and yet so far. The Albicelestes lost to Germany in the final. This time in the group match Argentina beat Chile without Messi who nursed an injury. But by the time he started playing, he was in scintillating form. So the expectation was high. At least this time, the Copa America trophy would not elude him and his team.

However, man proposes, God disposes. It was not to be that Messi held the cup of the South American (including US team) superiority aloft. Utterly frustrated, a tearful Messi made the most painful decision of not taking any part in favour of Argentina's international competition.

At a time he was licking his wound, up comes the verdict of the Spanish court. His father has also been indicted. Messi has always maintained that he did not know how his financial affairs were managed by his father and his lawyer. It may indeed be the case but law cannot accept any such naïve arguments. When one signs any document of financial deals or transactions, one has to take its responsibility. So Messi's denial of not knowing was of no use.

The fact that 21 months' jail sentence will not require the footballer and his father to land in jail is certainly of some comfort. Under the Spanish judicial system, any sentence below two years or 24 months for a non-violent first time crime does not compel the accused to suffer the imprisonment. Be that what it may, this has been a terrible blow to the iconic sports personality's reputation. He may not be required to go to the prison but his clean image as a human being has taken a severe blow. As a player and a person, Messi has conjured up a gentleman's image. Arrogance is foreign to his nature unlike his equally famous rival. He does not brag over any of his achievements. A humble soul, he prefers to cut a low profile.

A fall from grace for such a sportsman is what is a collective loss for the sports lovers. People from all walks of life have been pleading for his return to the Argentine team. Who is not there to join the chorus? Pele, Maradona and Argentine president have led the rank. While the demand is expected to be more vociferous, some will be lamenting the loss Messi has sustained by way of the tax fraud.

One surprising observation is that Maradona, despite his cocaine history, tax fraud in Italy, tantrums and problems with ex-wives still remains the super hero he was. Even his 'hand of the God' famed goal is no bar to elevating him to the pinnacle. Messi, timid and not known to have been involved in any such scandals, is now weathering the most turbulent period of his life. People are hero-worshippers. Had Messi won the Copa American Cup, neither Pele nor Maradona did also, things probably would have been different.

However to those who enjoy his artistry on the field where he paints pictures with football on the turf, this demeaning picture of his is what appears to be the ultimate taste of character and love.