Barcelona and Argentina legend Lionel Messi has taken legal action against the environmental NGO Futuro Vegetal after the group vandalised his luxury mansion in Ibiza, Spain, Soccernet.football reports.
The group, known for its provocative protests, targeted Messi’s home by throwing paint at the façade, an act they hoped would draw global attention to their cause.
Messi’s lawyers have responded by demanding €50,000 in compensation for the damage caused to the property.
The legal action has sparked a strong reaction from Bilbo Bassaterra, a leading member of Futuro Vegetal, who expressed his frustration in an interview with Clarín, as per TN.
“We were detained for two days,” Bassaterra said.
“It wasn’t immediately, but a day after the attack. The police came and raided us. We did the paperwork and they let us go.
“But now, wouldn’t it be unusual to have to pay Messi that amount for having painted his house with tempera paint that comes off with a wash? His lawyers are demanding that from us.”
Bassaterra explained that the attack on Messi’s mansion was more than just an act of vandalism; it was a statement against environmental negligence.
In an interview with TN, he revealed, “This mansion was built without a building permit, bypassing all administrative channels and also violating two environmental laws, due to the risk of collapse and the fact that it is in an area of special vulnerability for the aquifer. This week a state of emergency was declared in Ibiza due to the drought.”
Despite the group’s intentions, Messi’s lawyers are pursuing the case, seeking significant compensation for the damages.
Messi, meanwhile, is recovering from an injury he sustained during the Copa America, where world champions Argentina successfully defended their title.