Lionel Messi insisted at an early Press conference on Wednesday that he understood nothing about tax.
The Argentine international was hit by tax fraud allegations last month but defended himself when questioned following the day’s first pre-season training session.
“I am relaxed and distance myself from all that. My father and I have advisors who handle these things for us, and we trust them.
“I hope it gets sorted out. I don’t understand any of it and that’s why we have lawyers,” he told assembled reporters, before commenting on his partnership with new signing Neymar for the forthcoming season.
“I hope it works on the pitch because he is a great player. He is coming to a team full of players with great character and I don’t think he’ll have any trouble adapting.
“He seems like a nice guy and he won’t have any problems because we have a dressing room full of good people. He is very good at one-on-ones,” added Messi.
The 26-year-old then went on to talk about who he thinks will be Barcelona’s main rivals next term, both at home and in Europe.
“Bayern are a great team. They won the Champions League because they were better than the rest by a big margin, and with Guardiola’s arrival they will be even stronger.
“Madrid are also strong and that is shown by the great players they have. Every year they get better.
“It will be very difficult to fight for the La Liga title against Madrid, and also any other team that could be up there.”
