Burzaco is currently on bail and is acting as a key witness for the Federal Court of Brooklyn with regards to the wide-reaching FIFA corruption scandal of 2015.
According to Argentinian newspaper 'Olé', Burzaco made a payment of 170,000 euros to Lionel Messi and other Argentinian players so that they would play in a friendly for the Argentina national side.
"Yes, to him (Messi) and other players. The payment was 200,000 dollars to make sure they played," Burzaco responded when asked if his former company (Torneos y Competencias) had paid the Argentinian star for the friendly. The business owner did not reveal any other names, only Messi's.
This is an accusation which could put Messi in the eye of the storm. The player himself has not yet commented on the claims, but he could do so in the next few hours to defend his innocence or provide some form of explanation.
In addition, he also accused Julio Grondona, the former President of the Argentinian FA, of charging 15 million euros for television rights for the 2026 and 2030 World Cups.
The aforementioned Argentinian publication posted the transcription of Burzaco's comments:
P: -Who is the president of Argentina?
B: -Mauricio Macri.
P: -Who is Lionel Messi?
B: -The best in the world.
P: -Did your company (Torneos) pay something to Messi?
B: -Yes, to him and other players. The payment was 200,000 euros to make sure they played.