Barcelona have promised to give Lionel Messi their "full support" as he and his father Jorge face potential prison sentences if convicted of tax fraud.

The duo have been accused of avoiding payments of up to £3.1m in tax between 2007 and 2009.

Messi was initially dropped from the case as prosecutors thought that the four-time Ballon d'Or winner's father was solely in charge of his finances.

However, the judge agreed with the state attorney, meaning that Messi will stand trial and could be ordered to spend 22 months behind bars.

A statement from the 28-year-old's club read: "Barcelona has expressed its affection and solidarity to Leo Messi and his family in such a peculiar situation.

"The club shall continue to offer him and his family its full support and assistance in the legal, fiscal and administrative aspects of these proceedings."

Messi is currently out of match action as he nurses a knee injury.