Key Highlights
- Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi has commissioned a custom Sunreef ULTIMA 88 luxury catamaran, currently under construction at the shipyard in the United Arab Emirates.
- Estimated at between 8 and 9 million euros ($9 million to $10.5 million), the 26.8-meter vessel will feature twin 1,000-horsepower engines, an Ocean Lounge, a full-beam master suite, and four guest cabins.
- The yacht will join MIM Ocean—a charter initiative formed by Messi’s MIM Hotels and Med Cat Yachts—operating in the Balearic Islands and the Caribbean.
Lionel Messi Expands Marine Portfolio with Sunreef ULTIMA 88
Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi has officially commissioned a Sunreef ULTIMA 88, a high-performance luxury catamaran currently under construction at Sunreef Yachts’ shipyard in the United Arab Emirates. While the shipbuilder has kept the exact contract value confidential, industry publications estimate that a customized vessel of this scale and specification ranges between 8 and 9 million euros, translating to approximately 9 to 10.5 million dollars. Once delivered, the custom yacht will be integrated into MIM Ocean, the commercial charter fleet affiliated with the Argentine footballer and based in the Balearic Islands.
Speaking on his decision to partner with the shipyard, Messi highlighted his personal affinity for marine leisure. “It is a real pleasure to join the Sunreef family. My family and I have always enjoyed spending time at sea whenever we have the opportunity,”
he said in a statement released by Sunreef Yachts, further noting that the brand’s design and specialized features aligned directly with his requirements.
Design Specifications and Luxury Amenities
Measuring 26.8 meters in length, Messi’s commissioned catamaran will be powered by twin 1,000-horsepower engines, delivering a combined output of 2,000 HP. The interior architecture has been customized to deliver premium hospitality, highlighted by an expansive master suite spanning the entire beam of the vessel, accompanied by four additional guest cabins. Exterior highlights include an upper flybridge and an aft “Ocean Lounge” fitted with fold-down bulwark terraces, a hydraulic swim platform, and direct ocean access. The layout also incorporates a dedicated tender garage purpose-built to house a jet ski alongside other recreational watercraft.
Commercial Charter Deployment Under MIM Ocean
The ULTIMA 88 is not designed exclusively for Messi’s private use. Instead, the catamaran will actively serve commercial clients under MIM Ocean, a charter venture formed through a collaboration between Lionel Messi’s MIM Hotels hospitality brand and Med Cat Yachts. MIM Ocean’s existing charter lineup consists of three Bali 5.4 catamarans, which cruise throughout the Balearic Islands during the peak European summer before repositioning part of the fleet to the Caribbean and the Bahamas from December through April. The addition of the Sunreef ULTIMA 88 will elevate MIM Ocean’s catalog, introducing a larger, faster, and significantly more luxurious motor yacht to their charter portfolio.
Why This Matters
The acquisition cements Lionel Messi’s continued expansion into the luxury hospitality, tourism, and yachting sectors alongside his sporting career. By joining Sunreef Yachts, Messi aligns himself with an elite roster of world-class sports figures who own or represent Sunreef builds, including tennis icons Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz, Formula 1 drivers Fernando Alonso and Nico Rosberg, and FC Barcelona forward Robert Lewandowski. Sunreef has strategically leveraged high-profile sports icons as prominent ambassadors, solidifying its position in the luxury multihull sector. While Sunreef has not yet disclosed a definitive delivery schedule or finalized charter rates for the vessel in the Balearic Islands, the vessel’s arrival represents a notable upgrade in scale and luxury for the MIM Ocean venture.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Lionel Messi’s Sunreef ULTIMA 88 cost?
Although Sunreef Yachts has not officially disclosed the contract price, industry estimates value a custom Sunreef ULTIMA 88 with these specifications between 8 and 9 million euros, or roughly 9 to 10.5 million dollars.
Will the yacht be available for public charter?
Yes. The vessel will not be reserved strictly for private family outings; it will join the MIM Ocean charter fleet, operating in regions such as the Balearic Islands, the Caribbean, and the Bahamas alongside the company’s existing catamarans.
What are the primary performance and interior specs of the catamaran?
The 26.8-meter catamaran will feature a total of 2,000 horsepower delivered by two 1,000 HP engines. Accommodations include a full-width master suite, four guest cabins, a jet ski garage, and an Ocean Lounge with opening side balconies and a hydraulic swim platform.
