Messi's Ibiza mansion defaced by activists demanding climate justice

Spanish climate activists from the group Futuro Vegetal vandalised the Ibiza mansion of Argentine footballer Lionel Messi on Tuesday. The activists covered the mansion's white walls with black and red dye and gained access to the property's backyard.

In front of the luxurious pool, patio, and football court, the protesters posed with a sign stating: "Help the planet. Eat the rich. Abolish the police." On social media, they claimed that the €11 million ($12 million) mansion was illegally built.

Futuro Vegetal cited a news report by Spanish daily El Diario, which revealed that several ultra-wealthy individuals in Ibiza, including Messi, were caught illegally expanding their properties on the Mediterranean island.

The group also criticised the wealthy's significant role in contributing to climate change, stating, "The 1% richest of the population is responsible for the same amount of carbon emissions as the poorest two-thirds of the population."

Additionally, the activists noted that while they were vandalising the mansion, between two and four people died in Spain's Balearic Islands due to a heatwave. On the same day, Mallorca was under a heat warning, with temperatures expected to reach 37°C (98.6°F).

Spain has been experiencing consecutive heatwaves recently, with the Carlos III Health Institute estimating that 771 people died nationwide from heat-related issues in July alone.

Futuro Vegetal, known for its controversial protests, has previously thrown temporary dye on Spain's parliament, mega-yachts, and private jets, and glued themselves to the frames of Goya paintings at the Prado Museum.

Lionel Messi has not commented on the vandalism incident.