Lionel Messi's £9.5m home vandalised after protesters break in

Lionel Messi has become the latest high-profile victim to be targeted by climate change campaigners after the Inter Miami star's £9.5million luxury mansion was vandalised.

Activists from the group Futuro Vegetal reportedly entered the Argentine icon's home in Ibiza on Tuesday, throwing red and black paint on the exterior of the house.

The Spanish group also unfurled a banner reading “Help the Planet – Eat the Rich – Abolish the Police” and claimed responsibility for the attack, criticizing Spain's environmental policies “that are worsening the climate crisis, as well as the unequal responsibility that comes with it.”

The former Barcelona and PSG star has been a regular visitor to the Balearic island for years with his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their three children.

He bought the property in the San Josep area, based in Cala Tarida on the west coast of Ibiza, for £9.5 million from Swiss businessman Philippe Amon in 2022.

Messi also owns a stunning 52-room hotel called Hotel Es Vive along Figueretas Beach after purchasing the luxury property in 2018.

Futuro Vegetal, an activist group that links tourism and overpopulation to climate change, claims the 37-year-old's home was targeted because it is an “illegal construction” that the footballer “acquired for the exorbitant sum of 11 million euros.”

“This is another example of how the law does not work the same for everyone,” said Bilbo Bassaterra, a spokesman for Futuro Vegetal.

“This week on the island [of Ibiza]Nearly 200 workers have been evicted from a camp without a housing solution, while the Popular Party, hand in hand with Vox, is considering the legalization of illegal constructions in exchange for payment.”

Messi has been enjoying an extended break from club football after helping Argentina retain their Copa America title in the United States. He has yet to publicly respond to the attack.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is also recovering from an ankle injury suffered in the tournament final, with no official date set for his return.

Inter Miami sits atop the MLS Eastern Conference after 16 games, with a League Cup clash against Toronto FC coming up later this week.