Argentina and Inter Miami star Lionel Messi is the latest high-profile victim of climate change activists after the environmental group Futuro Vegetal vandalized his £9.5 million luxury property in Ibiza.

On Tuesday, the activists reportedly broke into the Inter Miami star’s residence, defacing it with red and black paint. They documented their actions and shared photos on social media, holding a banner that read, “Help the planet, eat the rich, abolish the police.”

The banner signified their protest against government policies they believe are contributing to the climate crisis.

The environmental group described this act as one of “non-violent civil disobedience,” aiming to highlight the harmful impact of current government policies on the environment.

They underlined the excessive role the wealthiest individuals play in worsening the climate crisis.

Futuro Vegetal referenced a 2023 Oxfam report which revealed that the richest 1% of the global population produced as much carbon emissions in 2019 as the poorest two-thirds.

The report highlighted the severe consequences faced by the most weak communities due to climate change.

Futuro Vegetal has been vocal about climate activity for a long time and has a strong presence on social media as well. A video of the vandalism was posted on the group's Instagram page, showcasing the activists in the act.

The video has since garnered considerable engagement, engaging debates on social media about the approaches and points of such protests.



Lionel Messi purchased the San Josep property in 2022 and has been a frequent visitor to Ibiza with his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their three children. Messi has not yet publicly responded to the break-in.

This news comes at a time when the football star is on an extended break following Argentina’s Copa America 2024 victory in the United States.

Messi is also in the process of recovering from an ankle injury sustained in the final of the tournament, with no confirmed date for his return to Inter Miami.