Lionel Messi's former tax advisers came out in support of the soccer star on Wednesday as his trial for alleged fraud continued in Barcelona, saying he never handled his wealth management.

Messi, 28, and his father Jorge Horacio Messi are accused of using fake companies in Belize and Uruguay to avoid paying taxes on 4.16 million euros ($4.6 million) of his income earned through the sale of his image rights from 2007-09.

The trial kicked off in Barcelona on Tuesday, and the five-time World Player of the Year will take the stand on Thursday before joining his Argentina teammates for the Copa America in California.