What is common among elite athletes like Lionel Messi, Robert Lewandowski, tennis stars Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz, and Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso? The answer is not sports, but a shared love for the sea aboard a Sunreef Yacht. The Inter Miami CF forward recently ordered an 88-foot Ultima 88 catamaran from the Polish yacht builder. For the billionaire whose early life revolved almost entirely around his dedication to soccer, this time at sea after tremendous success must seem well earned, especially with a brand that specializes in luxury catamarans. The 39-year-old soccer star’s vessel is currently under construction at the Sunreef Yachts shipyard in Ras Al-Khaimah, UAE.
“It’s a real pleasure to join the Sunreef family,” commented Leo Messi according to SuperYacht Times. “My family and I have always loved spending time at sea whenever we get the chance. Sunreef Yachts have the style and features I really like, and they’re a perfect fit for what I’m looking for. I’m really looking forward to experiencing the Ultima 88 and enjoying it with my family.” Speaking of family, Messi and his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, have three sons who all play in the Inter Miami Academy and like their father spend much time on the field. The clan will not only get exceptional Mediterranean views during their time off but also every comfort and luxury.
Their 280 GT vessel will offer a full-beam master suite for the couple and plenty of solace as all other four guest staterooms are located on the lower deck. For family time, Sunreef Yachts’ signature Ocean Lounge brings life closer to the water for swimming, water sports, and lounging.
There is dedicated space for a Jet Ski garage alongside expansive outdoor lounging areas and a generous flybridge. The Ultima 88 catamaran will be powered by twin 1,000 horsepower engines. It can also be outfitted with a solar skin that generates clean, green energy from the sun.
As for the atmosphere inside, renderings show a very roomy, neutral-hued, and pleasantly designed space making it perfect for a family. There is a large dining table for eight which is perfect for this young family and plenty of comfortable sofas lining the main salon. The furniture is contemporary, and the windows are large, almost completely fusing the interior and exterior together. It is safe to say that just like the owner Lionel Messi, his Ultima 88 catamaran will provide a perfect combination of speed and maneuverability. Messi intends to add the 88 Ultima to the new MIM Ocean charter fleet he is building in partnership with Med Cat Yachts, and no delivery date has been announced yet.
In addition to his growing fleet on water, the living legend has established a whopping $300 million global real estate empire that spans luxury primary residences, vacation compounds, and commercial investments across the United States, Spain, and South America. Interestingly, his primary residence in the United States is a nearly $11 million waterfront mansion in Fort Lauderdale’s gated Bay Colony community, featuring a 70-foot water frontage and two private boat decks. It is the perfect parking spot for his 88-footer, as it boasts a highly advantageous shallow draft of just 1.5 meters. On the other hand, Fort Lauderdale’s Bay Colony neighborhood is famous for its deep-water yacht access, so the shallow hull of the catamaran will have no trouble navigating the local waterways or resting at his dock.
