Lionel Messi Ordered New 88-Foot Sunreef Catamaran
The soccer star has purchased an 88-foot Ultima vessel to expand his charter fleet and for personal use.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Soccer
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Soccer legend Lionel Messi has placed an order for a new 88-foot Sunreef Ultima catamaran. The vessel will join his existing MIM Ocean charter fleet and serve as a personal retreat for his family.
Why it matters
The acquisition highlights the expansion of Messi's business interests into the luxury maritime sector. The high-performance vessel combines speed with maneuverability for both commercial charters and private leisure.
The Sunreef Ultima 88 features twin 1,000 hp engines and a layout containing four guest cabins plus a full-beam primary suite. The vessel also includes a dedicated garage for a Jet Ski.
The players
Lionel Messi
He is an internationally renowned professional soccer player who has expanded his professional portfolio into various business ventures.
Carlos Alcaraz
He is a professional tennis player who has also ordered an 88 Ultima catamaran.
Sunreef
This is a luxury yacht manufacturer known for designing and building large multihull vessels.
The details
The catamaran is currently under construction at a shipyard in the UAE and includes unique features such as fold-out terraces at the stern. Buyers have the option to equip the vessel with either a traditional diesel or hybrid propulsion system.
Timeline
Sunreef first unveiled the Ultima 88 concept in 2023.
The first unit of the Ultima 88 model launched in April 2026.
Season Trajectory
The adoption of the Sunreef Ultima 88 catamaran model by elite athletes mirrors a broader trend of high-net-worth individuals investing in custom hybrid-capable maritime technology. This acquisition marks a shift in how professional stars manage their off-pitch business portfolios through luxury assets.
The inclusion of this vessel in the MIM Ocean fleet effectively expands the commercial charter options available to high-end travelers. Prospective charter clients can anticipate increased capacity as the fleet grows from its current three-vessel count.
The takeaway
Investing in high-performance luxury vessels offers athletes both personal leisure and a unique way to diversify their business holdings. These specialized catamarans demonstrate how modern engineering focuses on balancing power with guest-focused amenities.
Further reading
For more on international soccer news, visit the Soccer section.
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