Spain – Extremists break into villa in Ibiza and spray paint walls.
On August 6, an extremist environmental group released a video of the vandalism of Lionel Messi’s villa in Cala Tarida, west of the Spanish island of Ibiza. In it, they sprayed red and black paint on the facade and walls. The extremists also posed with banners next to the swimming pool and football pitch.
The cleanup of what the extremists left behind could cost thousands of dollars.
Environmental extremists pose with a banner next to a defaced wall at Messi’s villa in Ibiza, Spain. Photo: AFP
Messi and his family are believed to have been absent when the incident occurred. According to Sun, the 37-year-old striker is in Miami, USA, recovering from an injury sustained in the Copa America final.
Messi bought the villa in Ibiza in 2022. The island was a popular vacation spot for Messi and his family when he played for Barca.
Last year, extremists vandalized the headquarters of Spanish political parties and banks, spray-painted a private jet, millionaire Nancy Walton Laurie’s yacht, and stormed the upscale Blue Marlin beach club with a protest banner: “Your luxury is our climate crisis”.
Messi is considered the best player in football history. The Argentine striker’s trophy cabinet includes every major honour, including a World Cup, two Copa Americas, an Intercontinental Super Cup, an Olympic gold medal, a U20 World Cup, 10 La Liga titles, four Champions Leagues, a record eight Ballon d’Ors, six European Golden Shoes and two World Cup Golden Balls.
On July 15, Messi injured his ankle in the Copa America final, a 1-0 win over Colombia. The 37-year-old striker could be out until early September.
