Messi's Mansion Vandalized by Climate Activists

Lionel Messi’s opulent mansion in Ibiza was vandalized by the radical climate activist group Futuro Vegetal, which claimed responsibility for the break-in via social media. The group covered the property in red and black paint and displayed a banner reading, “Help the planet, eat the rich, abolish the police.” The incident left the multimillion-dollar home in disarray, with activists posing for photos in the garden, drawing significant media attention. Futuro Vegetal justified their actions by labeling Messi’s $12 million mansion as an “illegal construction” and criticized the football star for his wealth amid the ongoing climate crisis affecting the Balearic Islands. The group emphasized the disproportionate carbon emissions attributed to the wealthiest individuals, stating, “The richest 1% of the population is responsible for the same amount of carbon emissions as the poorest two-thirds.” They called for a radical overhaul of the economic system to effectively address climate change. Messi, who is currently enjoying a break from football after his success with Argentina in the Copa America, has not yet publicly commented on the incident. The vandalism has sparked international discourse, with Argentina’s newly elected president, Javier Milei, expressing strong support for Messi. He condemned the act on social media, denouncing the ideology behind the vandalism and calling for the Spanish government to ensure the safety of Argentine citizens in Spain. Milei characterized the attack as a cowardly act driven by “envy, hatred, and resentment towards the successful,” urging action from the Spanish authorities to protect the Messi family and other expatriates.