RUM-BCN-001

Not independently verified: That FC Barcelona (Bartomeu) commissioned I3 Ventures specifically to run a smear campaign against Lionel Messi and Gerard Piqué to pressure Messi into signing a new contract.

Classification: Not independently verifiedStatus: Reported — single sourceStatus: Repetition only

Why the claim spread

Originator
Cadena SER (Què T'hi Jugues / El Larguero).
First identified
2020-02-17
Basis claimed
Leaked documents obtained by Cadena SER.

What the record establishes

  • Cadena SER's leaked documents describing a third party paid to damage the reputation of individuals including active players.
  • The March 2021 arrests.
  • The PwC audit finding the €980,000 fee above market.

What the record does not support

  • Bartomeu admits hiring I3 Ventures for social-media image work and denies intent to damage individuals.
  • I3 Ventures denied wrongdoing.
  • No independent confirmation of the smear motive was located.
Independent sources:
2
Total references:
2

Established wire or investigative reporting

Cadena SER (Què T'hi Jugues / El Larguero) — the I3 Ventures reporting

Cadena SER · 2020-02-17

Not foundLanguage: esIndependent source

Supports

  • b7398028-aef8-5d72-8392-4281d3ebf5b2
  • 4798955c-12ce-52e3-9e4c-8408918c8b15

The single origin of the smear-campaign characterization, based on leaked documents obtained by Cadena SER. No URL captured in the research record; access state not established.

Retrieved 2026-07-17

Secondary reporting

Barçagate: the case that led to the arrest of former Barcelona president Bartomeu

Football España · 2021-03-01

RetrievedLanguage: enIndependent source

Supports

  • b7398028-aef8-5d72-8392-4281d3ebf5b2
  • 4798955c-12ce-52e3-9e4c-8408918c8b15

Canonical safe wording

Barcelona paid I3 Ventures €980,000, a PwC audit found the fee above a €120,000–€150,000 market range, and four former club figures were arrested in March 2021. The characterization of the contract as a smear campaign against Messi and Piqué originates with Cadena SER and has not been independently confirmed; Bartomeu admits hiring the firm and denies any intent to damage individuals. Those named are presumed innocent.

Never state

  • Barcelona ran a smear campaign against Messi
  • Bartomeu was convicted in Barçagate

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