Lionel Messi orders 88-foot UAE-built yacht

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Lionel Messi yacht — The football superstar’s new yacht has also drawn attention because of its link to Messi’s waterfront mansion that is worth nearly $11 million in Fort Lauderdale, Florida (Credit: Superyachttimes)

Lionel Messi has ordered an 88‑foot luxury catamaran that is being built in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. This new vessel joins Messi’s growing collection of luxury assets. The Sunreef ULTIMA 88 will have four guest cabins, a master suite, twin 1,000‑horsepower engines and a special jet ski garage. The yacht is expected to become part of the MIM Ocean charter fleet that Messi is building with Med Cat Yachts. No delivery date has been announced.

The football superstar’s new yacht has also drawn attention because of its link to Messi’s waterfront mansion that is worth nearly $11 million in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The property is located in the gated Bay Colony community. Is reported to have 70 feet of water frontage and two private boat docks. According to Luxurylaunches the catamaran’s shallow draft could make it suitable for the property’s waterfront access although the yacht’s final docking arrangements are not yet confirmed.

Messi has also spoken about the appeal of the new vessel highlighting the family’s love of spending time at sea. The design focuses on privacy, outdoor living and easy water access making the yacht a leisure‑focused addition to Messi’s lifestyle beyond the football pitch.

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What Messi said about his yacht

“It’s a real pleasure to join the Sunreef family " Messi said, 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. Features I really like. 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."

The ULTIMA 88 is designed to combine the space of a luxury residence with the flexibility of a high‑performance catamaran (Credit: Superyachttimes)

Inside the 88-foot Sunreef ULTIMA 88 yacht

The ULTIMA 88 is designed to combine the space of a luxury residence with the flexibility of a high‑performance catamaran. According to Gulf News the vessel is being built at Sunreef Yachts’ shipyard in Ras Al Khaimah. Will become part of Messi’s fleet based in Spain’s Balearic Islands.

The yacht will have four guest cabins on the deck and a full‑beam master suite for Messi and his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo. The layout is designed to give privacy to Messi’s family and their guests while leaving plenty of room for entertaining and relaxing.

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A large dining table that can seat eight people, comfortable sofas and expansive windows are shown in the renderings. The design uses colours and links the indoor living areas with the outdoor spaces giving the yacht a contemporary residential feel.

However neither report confirms that Messi’s new yacht will be permanently docked at the Florida property. The vessel is intended to join Messi’s MIM Ocean fleet based in the Balearic Islands so its use and docking arrangements remain to be confirmed.

Ocean Lounge and jet ski garage are standout features

One of the yacht’s attractions is Sunreef’s signature Ocean Lounge, a space designed to bring guests closer to the water. The lounge will offer room for swimming, water sports and relaxation making the sea itself a central part of the experience.

The catamaran will also feature a jet ski garage, extensive outdoor lounging areas and a spacious flybridge. These amenities are designed to make the yacht suitable for both family outings and entertaining guests.

The vessel will be powered by engines that produce 1,000 horsepower each giving it a combined output of 2,000 horsepower. Sunreef says the configuration is intended to balance speed and manoeuvrability with the layout associated with the ULTIMA range. The yacht can also be equipped with a skin to generate energy from sunlight.

How Messi’s $11 million Fort Lauderdale mansion fits in

Messi’s yacht order has attracted attention alongside Messi’s luxury real‑estate holdings in the United States. According to Luxurylaunches Messi owns a waterfront mansion nearly $11 million in Fort Lauderdale’s gated Bay Colony community.

The property is reported to have 70 feet of water frontage and two private boat docks. Its location and waterfront facilities have prompted speculation, about whether it could accommodate the catamaran.

Luxurylaunches noted that the yacht’s shallow draft of 1.5 metres could make navigating local waterways easier. The Bay Colony neighbourhood is known for deep‑water yacht access while the catamaran’s shallow hull could offer additional flexibility.