Internet destroys Barcelona for campaign to support Messi after tax fraud conviction
The #WeAreAllLeoMessi campaign isn't producing a lot of positivity
You probably have heard about Lionel Messi's tax issues. But if you haven't, here's the quick recap: The Barcelona superstar was found guilty of tax fraud alongside his father and was sentenced to 21 months in prison in Spain last week and fined $2 million. He won't be serving any time, and things are back to normal.
But instead of staying away from the sticky situation, his club Barcelona decided to start a support campaign for the world's top player. On Saturday, the club unveiled a #WeAreAllLeoMessi campaign on social media so the world can "express its sympathy" for the striker. Seriously.
Now, there will always be haters. Michael Jordan had them. Derek Jeter had them. LeBron James, Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo currently have them.
But you have to admit, this is a bit odd. Supporting a player as if he did nothing wrong despite being found guilty of tax fraud? Even Messi fans were disgusted.
Here's the campaign tweet:
It's time to show our support: #WeAreAllLeoMessi. Add your voice to the campaign 👐 https://t.co/ld9dyidoXOpic.twitter.com/mNnfeZxl17
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 9, 2016
Here is Barcelona's president:
Leo, those who attack you are attacking Barça and its history. We'll defend you to the end. Together forever!
— Josep Maria Bartomeu (@jmbartomeu) July 8, 2016
And after that, the internet went nuts, with even pro-Messi fans disagreeing:
@FCBarcelona I love Leo, but this is nuts.
— Rob Smith (@robsmithireland) July 9, 2016
@ElAficionadofcb I hope my employers defend me if I commit major tax fraud so.
— Rob Smith (@robsmithireland) July 9, 2016
Messi in the jumpsuit:
. @FCBarcelona#WeAreAllLeoMessipic.twitter.com/NT3Wrn9h4v
— Ahmed (@azkhawaja1) July 9, 2016
Locked up:
@azkhawaja1@FCBarcelona i second that #WeAreAllLeoMessipic.twitter.com/ie0zYxnTMN
— Chelsea Urdu (@ChelseaUrdu) July 9, 2016
That makes sense:
@FCBarcelona Erm... He was found guilty of tax fraud - taxes fund schools, hospitals - what are u guys missing here ?
— Joe O'Shea (@josefoshea) July 9, 2016
Judge Judy don't play that:
@FCBarcelonapic.twitter.com/5VMU72GG8W
— HeavenlyBlue (@heavenlyblue007) July 9, 2016
Some truth in this one:
@FCBarcelona wtf? It's not like he's sick, injured or sad... he avoided his taxes obligations 😑😑 pic.twitter.com/dFLvYvdaFW
— Amy (@AmyRG06) July 9, 2016
Where is my cut?
@FCBarcelona if we are all lionel messi we gonna get a share of the dosh??
— Usman (@uah9) July 9, 2016
Some really creative ones there, and none really too harsh considering the campaign is a mistake and just a bad look overall for the club.
I mean, Real Madrid supporting Pepe's diving would have been more acceptable.
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