Is Tata Motors In More Trouble After Messi's Tax Conviction?

Tata Motors made a good move by roping in footballer Lionel Messi to promote the company's products. Soon after came the news as the international player retired and Tata Motors was not affected by this. Now however, after Messi's tax conviction came into light, Tata Motors seems a bit worried.

Tata Motors' spokesperson commented saying, We do not have any comment on this till we have further details available".

Messi, along with his father Jorge were convicted of evading taxes that amounted to 4.1 million Euros between 2007 and 2009. The court sentenced them to 21 months imprisonment.

Tata Motors will now carefully evaluate the result of the conviction towards its brand image. Sources also say that the legal team was in touch with Messi's manager to get a clear view about the court verdict and its implications.

Although Messi will not be behind bars according to the Spanish law, Tata Motors is looking to have a clean image, which could be damaged. Messi will be on probation, since the Spanish law says a jail sentence under two years for a first-time non-violent crime can be served on probation.

Lionel Messi was signed on as the brand ambassador for a hefty amount and will continue to promote upcoming vehicles from Tata Motors. He was signed on initially while Tata launched the Tiago hatchback.

Source