Tata Motors shocked over Messi’s tax mess

Tata Motors has been in shock lately, because its global brand ambassador Lionel Messi has been convicted by a Spanish court for tax frauds.

The company has, as of now, refused to comment on the issue until further developments.

A few days back, when Messi announced his retirement, the company was quick to issue a statement that his retirement would not effect the relations that he shares with Tata Motors.

Messi, who has been the global brand ambassador for Tata Motors since last November, also has an extension option as a part of this two-year deal. He has, as per the contract, appeared in several TV commercials for Tata Motors, including the one for Tiago, the latest hatchback from Tata Motors.

However, it was yesterday that a Spanish court sentenced Messi and his father Jorge for a 21-month jail term for tax frauds worth 4.1 million euro between 2007 and 2009. This has forced Tata Motors to carefully evaluate the effects that associations with the now-controversial Football star will have on the image of the brand.

However, since Spanish law allows one to serve probation when being sentenced under two years for a first-time non-violent crime, Messi is unlikely to go to prison. This surely is one point of relief for Tata Motors, because it has already put in heavy money to get Messi on board.

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