lionel Messi's tax fraud trial has been set for May 31-June 3, conflicting with the start of the centennial Copa America.
The Copa America Centenario will kick off June 3, meaning the five-time world player of the year will not have the best of preparations ahead of Argentina's opening game.
Messi's lawyers are expected to try to change the trial dates.
The Barcelona playmaker is already expected to have a shorter preparation ahead of the tournament if his side reaches the Champions league final, which is scheduled for May 28 in Milan.
Argentina plays its first game on June 6 in Santa Clara, California. Then on June 10 in Chicago before travelling to Seattle on June 14.
Messi and his father, Jorge Horacio Messi, have been charged with three counts of tax fraud and could be sentenced to nearly two years in prison if found guilty.
They are accused of defrauding Spain's tax office of 4.1 million euros ($4.4 million) in unpaid taxes from 2007-09. The attorney's office called for a prison sentence of 22 months and 15 days for Messi and his father, along with a fine in the amount defrauded, payment of all legal proceedings and the loss of any possible tax benefits for a year and a half.
The case is centered on the alleged unlawful activities of Messi's father, but authorities said the Barcelona player knew enough to also be named in the case.
The Barcelona court said that although Messi was unfamiliar with tax issues, there was sufficient evidence to believe he could have known and consented to the creation of a fictitious corporate structure to avoid paying taxes on income from his image rights.
Sampaoli resigns
SANTIAGO: Jorge Sampaoli has resigned as Chile's national team coach, departing just six months after winning the Copa America.
Andres Fazio, a vice president of the Chilean federation, confirmed Samapoli's departure on Tuesday.
Sampaoli has said for several weeks he wanted to leave the team, and said he was angry that details of his contract had been disclosed in the press.
His original contract stipulated he would need to pay a $6 million penalty if he broke the contract.
Elsewhere, FC Porto says it has hired Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro on an 18-month contract to replace Spaniard Julen lopetegui.
The announcement was confirmed on the club's official website and he will take charge of his first match against Maritimo on Sunday.
Ali gets Iraq backing
AMMAN: FIFA presidential candidate Prince Ali of Jordan says the Iraqi football federation has pledged to vote for him. Prince Ali's campaign team says he also has "picked up private commitments of support from several other nations" in Africa and the Caribbean.
Federation president Abdul Khaliq Masood says "Iraq's vote will go to Prince Ali because Prince Ali has always supported the development of football in Iraq, Jordan and our region."