In a shocking act of vandalism, climate activists from the radical Spanish group Futuro Vegetal targeted Lionel Messi's $12 million mansion in Ibiza. The incident, which took place on Tuesday, saw the activists spray-paint the façade of the Argentine soccer star’s luxurious villa with red and black paint, unfurling banners that read, "Help the Planet – Eat the Rich – Abolish the Police".
The group posted footage on social media showing members standing outside Messi's mansion, criticizing the opulence and environmental impact of the wealthy. They condemned the property as an "illegal construction," asserting that Messi acquired it for an exorbitant 11 million euros.
A group of dumb mother f'ers went to legendary Football player Messi's house in Ibiza and vandalized it. What the f' is wrong with those people man? You dumbass mofo don't even check what people are funding your nonsense: Texaco, Chevron, British Petroleum, Black Rock, Bill Gates… pic.twitter.com/rNd3XeS5Gy
— Beatrice Noel (@La2ndRevolution) August 7, 2024
The activists also referenced a 2023 Oxfam report, highlighting that the richest 1% of the global population are responsible for as much carbon emissions as the poorest two-thirds, emphasizing the disproportionate burden of the climate crisis on vulnerable communities.
This act of "non-violent civil disobedience," as described by the group, aimed to draw attention to the ongoing climate crisis and the perceived failure of governmental policies. Bilbo Bassaterra, a spokesperson for Futuro Vegetal, criticized the double standards in law enforcement, noting that while almost 200 workers were evicted from their settlements in Ibiza, wealthy individuals and their illegal constructions face little to no repercussions.
Messi going too see Ed Sheeran🥂❤
Nintendo|SHUT UP|Release the J6|Louisiana| Cheesecake Factory|Bad Bunny|Big Lie|Frank Clark|Judge Engoron|Christofascist|Michigan Manifesto|Trump $10,000|Social Security and Medicare|Boebert|Konam
Adriana Wanjiku Very Dark Man Plateau #Mohbad pic.twitter.com/aZiCLIOeLj— Ryno❤ (@terryman__) October 25, 2023
Messi, currently playing for Inter Miami, has not yet responded to the incident. The footballer frequently visits the Ibiza mansion with his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their three children.
Following the vandalism, Argentina’s recently elected president, Javier Milei, condemned the attack, calling on the Spanish government to ensure the safety of Argentine citizens living in Spain.
Milei described the act as motivated by "envy, hatred, and resentment towards the successful," urging action against such extremist ideologies.
This event marks the second consecutive summer that Futuro Vegetal has launched protests in Ibiza. Last year, they targeted the Pacha nightclub and the luxury beach club Blue Marlin, promoting their anti-capitalist message through similar acts of vandalism.
