Messi's father must undergo questioning

Posted Thursday, December 19, 2013 by Marca.com

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In contrast with statements by the Civil Guard and the Messi camp on Tuesday, the father of the Argentinian star, Jorge Messi, will have to be questioned regarding the money laundering ring which used charity events to launder drug money.

According to reports by 'El Mundo', the judge in charge of the case will not drop the proceedings without Messi's father making a statement. Jorge Messi will therefore have to talk to agents from the Operational Control Unit (UCO) on his return to Spain, given that he is currently in Argentina for the Christmas holidays.

According to sources from 'El Mundo', his statement is required to clarify alleged communications with the drug money laundering ring which has now been dismantled – "that is to say, with the Colombian connection, whose money was laundered at many of the events investigated".

Barca has tried to protect Messi at all times. Andoni Zubizarreta and Doctor Ricard Pruna travelled to Argentina on Tuesday. The meeting was already planned, but the director of football will make the most of the visit to support the player. On a positive note, all the noises being made about his recovery from injury have been upbeat.