Lionel Messi has filed a complaint demanding compensation after his Ibiza mansion was given an unpleasant makeover.
Lionel Messi has taken legal action following the vandalism of his luxurious mansion in Ibiza, Pulse Sports reports.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is reportedly demanding ₦88 million (€50,000) in compensation from the environmental group Futuro Vegetal.
The incident, which occurred on the morning of August 6, saw Messi's ₦19.2 billion ($12m) mansion defaced with red and black graffiti, prompting a swift response from the footballer, who has since filed a formal complaint with the Civil Guard through one of his employees on the Balearic island.
According to Spanish newspaper Dario AS, the graffiti attack was carried out by Futuro Vegetal, a climate activist group that describes their actions as "non-violent civil disobedience."
The group claims their intent was to draw attention to the role of the world's richest individuals in contributing to the ongoing climate crisis.
However, Messi's response suggests that the footballer views the act as a serious violation, warranting substantial financial compensation
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Futuro Vegetal responds to Lionel Messi's complaint
Via the aforementioned outlet, Bilbo Bassaterra, a spokesperson for Futuro Vegetal, confirmed the details of the complaint on August 16, expressing surprise and dismay at the amount Messi is seeking.
According to Bassaterra, the group believes that Messi's demand is excessively high, especially considering the nature of the damage
. "This is tempera that washes off with water; at most, you might have to scrub a little or repaint, but it certainly doesn't cost €50,000," Bassaterra stated.
Bassaterra further indicated that the group perceives Messi's actions as an attempt to intimidate and silence their activism.
Despite this, Futuro Vegetal remains committed to their cause, which they argue is vital in the fight against climate change.
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