Climate activists have targeted the Ibiza mansion owned by football legend Lionel Messi, with the group breaking into the grounds, spray painting the walls and holding a sign reading: ‘eat the rich’
Lionel Messi’s Ibiza mansion was broken into and vandalised by climate activist group Futuro Vegetal.
Two members of the group were pictured in the back garden of Messi’s property, which had red and white paint thrown all over it. The group appeared to gain access to the garden as they stood in a mini goal with a flag, which read: “Help the planet, eat the rich, abolish the police.”
Explaining their reasoning for breaking into the football legend’s multimillion-pound property, Futuro Vegetal said on X: “We tinted Messi ‘s illegal mansion in Ibiza. The Mansion is an illegal construction that the footballer acquired for the exorbitant sum of 11 million euros. While this is happening, in the Balearic Islands alone between 2 and 4 people have died as a direct consequence of the heat wave.
“The richest 1% of the population is responsible for the same amount of carbon emissions as the poorest two-thirds. This is only possible because public authorities support an economic-social system that threatens life.
“While the far right blames migrants for the crisis and displays extreme violence against them, those of us who fight for a better world are clear that the problem is social inequality. Let’s tackle the problems at the root. We need a radical change of system to face the Climate Crisis.”
Messi purchased the San Josep property in 2022 and the World Cup-winning Argentine is a regular visitor of the island alongside his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo and their three children. Messi has yet to respond to the break-in and vandalism of his property directly.
The Inter Miami star has been enjoying some time away from football after helping Argentina retain the Copa America. Messi has captained his country to three consecutive major international tournament wins.
Messi is also recovering from an ankle injury picked up in the final of Copa America and a return date for the MLS side hasn’t been set. Inter Miami are currently sitting top of the Eastern Conference in MLS after 16 games and looks nailed-on to reach the playoffs, with the MLS Cup up for grabs later this year.
Inter Miami are back in action later this week with the franchise looking to defend its Leagues Cup. Messi and Co. made an instant impact last season helping Inter Miami win the competition. Now, in the Round of 32, Inter Miami will take on Toronto FC.
However, Inter Miami head into this week’s game off the back of a 2-1 group stage defeat to Mexican side Tigres. The Mexican side took an early first-half lead before Leonardo Campana drew Inter Miami level 16 minutes from time. An 84th-minute strike by Juan Pablo Vigón grabbed the winner.
