Lionel Messi files lawsuit demanding €50,000 compensation from activists who vandalized his Ibiza mansion - Reports

Lionel Messi has filed a lawsuit demanding monetary compensation of €50,000 from Futuro Vegetal activists who vandalized his mansion in Ibiza, Spain, per La Nacion. The lawsuit comes after activists from the group broke into Messi's mansion on August 8 and vandalized the walls.

They splashed red and black paint and displayed the message "Help the Planet, Eat the Rich, Abolish the Police." Clips of the incident went viral online, as the activists claimed that it was intended to spread awareness about the "responsibility of the rich" in dealing with climate change.

The protests came to an end due to a two-day detention after which Lionel Messi demanded financial compensation from the activists. The Argentine's lawsuit states that the amount is required to fix the damage in his property.

Following the lawsuit, Futuro Vegetal activists defended their actions on the grounds that Lionel Messi's property was constructed without the necessary permits. One of the detained activists, Bilbo Basatterra, told the media (via La Nacion):

"It would be unbelievable to pay €50,000 for a house that should be demolished anyway. We are going to claim that it is incomprehensible how it is possible that we are accused of causing damage there when it should be demolished."

The Argentine icon's massive property is located at Cala Tarida, in the neighbourhood of Sant Josep in Ibiza. The luxurious mansion is built on an area of 16,000 square meters and is known for its exclusivity, owing to Messi's popularity.

---

Is Lionel Messi's Ibiza mansion constructed on illegal grounds?

MLS - Inter Miami CF vs Chicago Fire FC - Source: Getty

According to La Nacion, Lionel Messi allegedly did not have the necessary legal permits and requirements at the time of acquiring the property at Sant Josep.

As per multiple local reports, the Sant Josep City Council had intervened during alleged illegal contruction work being carried out in the property in May 2022 on the basis of a decree from the office of the local Mayor.

The problems with the construction of Lionel Messi's property reportedly had to do with various environmental destruction activities, including earth movements, changes in the topography, excavations and creation of terraces.

At the time of construction work, Messi and his team allegedly did not have the mandatory final certificate of construction or a habitability certificate. The former owner of the property reportedly also carried out construction work in the garage without prior permission.

The Sant Josep City Council demanded the house papers to be put in proper order to carry on the work without interference. Messi's attorneys reportedly negotiated to go ahead with the purchase and continued construction without legal problems.