Lionel Messi: Barcelona's #WeAreAllLeoMessi campaign criticised by social media users
Messi was convicted for tax fraud and sentenced to 21 months in prison on Wednesday
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Barcelona have launched a Twitter campaign to build support for Lionel Messi after he was sentenced to 21 months in jail for tax fraud.
The campaign encourages social media users to ‘express their sympathy’ for the Balon d’Or holder by posting an image of their open hands with the hashtag #WeAreAllLeoMessi.
“By making it clear that #WeAreAllMessi, we want Leo to know that he is not alone,” reads a statement on the club’s official website.
“All members, supporters clubs, fans, athletes, media and everyone else are invited to participate,” it adds.
Barcelona’s club president, Josep Maria Bartomeu, tweeted his support with the message: “Leo, those who attack you are attacking Barça and its history. We’ll defend you to the end. Together forever!”
The reaction among social media users has been largely negative, with many arguing that the club are making light of Messi’s transgression.
The campaign has been viewed in some quarters as an attempt to convince Messi that the club supports him, after speculation suggested that he could be considering his future at the Nou Camp.
Javier Tebas, the president of the Liga de Fútbol Profesional, Spain’s football league, said that he is worried Messi may leave Spain following the conviction.
"Of course I fear that [Messi] could leave, but the only thing I can tell him is that from La Liga we believe he isn't guilty and we are happy to have him here," he said on Friday.
"They were three verdicts of seven months each, not one of 21," he added. "They were not that severe.
“We are talking about process that wasn't properly followed. I don't think Messi is a criminal. He fell victim to a faulty fiscal structure which will be changed."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments