The viral sensation began in 2013 when Spanish architect Luis de Garrido publicly unveiled blueprints and high-definition 3D renderings for a project dubbed the "One-Zero Eco House." Designed to resemble a massive soccer ball sitting inside a pitch-marked parcel, the layout formed an aerial "10", a direct nod to Messi’s iconic jersey number. One half of the compound featured a pristine pool, while the other showcased manicured grass divided by a center line.
Garrido presented the concept across Spanish television and architectural journals, openly describing it as a sustainable, personalized sanctuary conceived specifically for the Barcelona captain. The internet accepted the narrative instantly. Digital aggregators, luxury real estate blogs, and sports outlets rapidly recycled the computer-generated images, presenting the property as an active construction project set in the Catalan hills.
The Messi family moved swiftly to kill the rumor. Jorge Messi, the player’s father and business manager, issued sharp public statements clarifying that neither Lionel nor anyone in his camp had ever contacted Garrido, commissioned the project, or even heard of the design prior to its media rollout. The family explicitly threatened legal action against the unauthorized use of Messi’s name and likeness. Despite the clear denial, algorithmic feeds kept the fantasy alive for years, proving how difficult it is to erase a visually striking lie once it gains traction.
