The self-proclaimed group Futuro Vegetal, which curiously calls for “non-violent civil disobedience,” claimed responsibility for the vandal attack on Lionel Messi’s mansion on the Spanish island of Ibiza. Using red and black paint, the activists attacked the facade to denounce what they consider the responsibility of the wealthy in the climate crisis.
Through a statement they posted on their social media, they attempted to explain the reasoning behind their actions: “The mansion is an illegal construction that the footballer acquired for the exorbitant amount of 11 million euros”.
According to the group, "only in the Balearic Islands between two and four people have died as a direct consequence of the heatwave," and they stated that "the richest 1% of the population is responsible for the same amount of carbon emissions as the poorest two-thirds."
"The best holiday estate in Europe"
The house of "La Pulga" (The Flea) is so spectacular that it was named the "best vacation estate" in Europe in 2018, according to the Argentine news portal TN.
The property is valued at 11 million euros and is located on the peninsula to the west of the island of Ibiza. With a surface area of 568 square meters, the mansion is known as "Sa Ferradura."
The house has six bedrooms, several terraces, outdoor areas, a 23-meter pool, and another one located in a tropical garden. It also has a gym and a DJ platform. The mansion can accommodate up to 12 people and has a staff of 22 employees, including chefs and laundry personnel.
Messi's house was a refuge for pirates.
The history of the property is also fascinating. Originally built as a private residence in the seventies, "Sa Ferradura" served as a refuge for pirates in the 17th century. Located on a peninsula surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea and protected by high cliffs, it offers total privacy and can only be accessed by car.
Currently, Messi's property is located on a 35,000 square meter peninsula in the bay of Sant Miquel, 22 kilometers from the city of Ibiza. He bought it from the Russian tycoon Mikhail Prokhorov, former owner of the Brooklyn Nets NBA team, who had acquired it from another Russian citizen for 22 million euros.
Former owner fought with Putin
Messi's mansion not only stands out for its beauty and luxury, but also for the stories that surround it. Prokhorov, its former owner, is known in Russia for running for the presidential elections in 2012, obtaining 8% of the votes and becoming a visible opponent to Vladimir Putin.
The attack on Messi's mansion has highlighted the tension between environmental activists and wealthy figures. Futuro Vegetal has used this act to draw attention to the climate crisis and the alleged complicity of the rich in exacerbating it.