Lionel Messi Orders a Sunreef ULTIMA 88 Power Catamaran

Sunreef Yachts confirmed on October 13, 2026 that Lionel Messi has signed for one of its ULTIMA 88 power catamarans. The yacht is being built at Sunreef’s facility in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, and on delivery will join Messi’s MIM Ocean fleet in the Balearic Islands.

Neither the contract value nor the delivery date has been disclosed.

Messi joins a roster of elite athletes who have chosen Sunreef, including footballer Robert Lewandowski, tennis champions Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz, and Formula 1 drivers Fernando Alonso and Nico Rosberg.

The ULTIMA 88 measures 26.8 metres (88 ft) in length with a 9.1-metre (29 ft 10 in) beam, a wide platform for a yacht of this length, and one that defines the experience on board. The model premiered at the Cannes Yachting Festival.

The layout includes four guest cabins plus a full-beam owner’s suite. Social space centres on Sunreef’s signature Ocean Lounge, complemented by a flybridge, while a jet-ski garage keeps water toys stowed and ready.

The ULTIMA 88 model is powered by twin 1,000 hp engines and reaches up to 26 knots, with a hybrid option available on the model. Sunreef has not confirmed performance figures for Messi’s specific yacht.

Messi framed the purchase around family time on the water:

“It’s a real pleasure to join the Sunreef family. 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.”

Francis Lapp, Sunreef’s founder and CEO, welcomed the new owner:

“At Sunreef Yachts, we believe that true luxury is the freedom to choose how you spend your time, with the people who matter most. The sea gives us that freedom in its purest form. We are incredibly proud to welcome Leo Messi and his family to the House of Sunreef.”

Messi’s choice reflects a broader shift in how owners think about their time on the water. Three qualities explain much of the appeal.

Stability. Two hulls spread the yacht’s footprint across a wider base, which reduces rolling, especially at anchor. For families with children or guests who are less accustomed to the sea, a steadier platform makes the difference between enduring a day on board and enjoying it.

Space. A catamaran’s beam carries much further fore and aft than a monohull’s, so deck and interior volume grow considerably relative to overall length. That is why an 88-foot catamaran can offer a full-beam owner’s suite and expansive lounges that would typically be associated with a larger monohull.

Shallow draft. Catamarans generally draw less water than monohulls of comparable size, allowing them to anchor closer to beaches and reach coves and bays that deeper-draft yachts must approach with caution. For owners who cruise for swimming, tenders and toys rather than marina hopping, that access is a significant advantage.

Add increasingly available hybrid propulsion options, and it is clear why the format continues to attract owners who once would have defaulted to a traditional motor yacht.

The qualities that drew Messi to a power catamaran, including stability, generous living space and access to shallow anchorages, translate naturally to South Florida and Bahamas cruising. If you are weighing a power catamaran or a comparable yacht for your next purchase, Biagio Yachts can help you assess the options on the market. Explore our current yachts or reach out for a private conversation.

• Boat International: Leo Messi orders new Sunreef ULTIMA 88
• SuperYacht Times: Lionel Messi buys in-build Sunreef ULTIMA 88 yacht
• YachtWay: Leo Messi Orders a Sunreef ULTIMA 88