Lionel Messi and his father will stand trial in Spain for alleged tax fraud.

Prosecutors had asked for charges to be dropped against the Barcelona and Argentina star, with the trial to focus on his father, Jorge.

But the judge presiding over the case has dismissed that request and the Spanish state attorney is seeking a jail sentence of 22-months if Messi is found guilty.

Messi and his father are avoiding €4m in tax between 2007 and 2009.