Yachting Art Magazine

Lionel Messi is joining the exclusive circle of Sunreef Yachts owners. The Argentine World Cup champion has ordered a Sunreef Ultima 88, a luxury power catamaran measuring nearly 27 meters (88 feet), currently under construction at the shipyard's facilities in the United Arab Emirates. Set to join MIM Ocean, the football star's luxury yachting venture in the Balearic Islands, the new yacht highlights Sunreef's international ambitions and the growing appeal of high-end luxury catamarans among some of the world's most prominent sports personalities.

Lionel Messi Chooses Sunreef Yachts for His New Catamaran

This is an order that promises to bring exceptional international attention to Sunreef Yachts. Lionel Messi, Argentina's World Cup-winning football legend and eight-time Ballon d'Or recipient, has selected the shipyard founded by French entrepreneur Francis Lapp to build his next yacht.
The chosen model is the Sunreef Ultima 88, a large power catamaran belonging to the new generation of sporty luxury yachts developed by the builder. The vessel is currently under construction at Sunreef Yachts' manufacturing facilities in the United Arab Emirates.

The announcement, made official on October 13, 2026, marks Messi's entry into what the shipyard calls the “House of Sunreef,” a community of yacht owners that includes several international celebrities and elite athletes.

However, this order is not solely about personal enjoyment. According to Sunreef Yachts, the new catamaran is intended to join MIM Ocean, a luxury yachting operation based in Spain's Balearic Islands.
For the shipyard, the deal therefore represents much more than a prestigious sale. It connects the Sunreef brand with one of the world's most recognizable athletes while showcasing a range of power catamarans designed to compete with traditional monohull motor yachts.

Sunreef Ultima 88: 27 Meters of Luxury and 2,000 Horsepower

The yacht ordered by Lionel Messi belongs to the Ultima range, through which Sunreef Yachts is developing a new approach to luxury power catamarans.

With a nominal length of 88 feet, approximately 26.8 meters, the Ultima 88 occupies the large luxury yacht segment, combining performance-oriented design, generous interior volumes, and living spaces that open directly onto the sea.

Messi's yacht will be equipped with two 1,000-horsepower engines, delivering a combined 2,000 horsepower.
This propulsion package reflects the sporty positioning of the Ultima 88, whose sleek lines and relatively low profile distinguish it from more conventional cruising catamarans.

Sunreef Yachts has not, however, disclosed the expected performance figures for this configuration, including maximum speed and cruising range.

One of the main advantages of this design lies in its combination of spacious accommodations and the inherent characteristics of a multihull.

The yacht's considerable beam makes it possible to create particularly generous living areas, while its twin hulls provide a naturally stable platform at anchor.

For Mediterranean cruising, where time spent at anchor and water-based activities are central to the yachting experience, these qualities offer compelling advantages.

A Yacht Designed for Family Life and Water Sports

The interior layout of Lionel Messi's future yacht has been designed to prioritize onboard living, family vacations, and entertaining guests.

The catamaran will feature four guest cabins and a spacious owner's suite extending across the full width of its designated accommodation area.

This arrangement will provide privacy for the different occupants while maintaining generous shared living spaces.

One of the Ultima 88's distinctive features is its Ocean Lounge, a relaxation area positioned close to the water, designed to facilitate swimming, water sports, and leisure time at anchor.

The yacht will also feature a dedicated Jet Ski garage, allowing water sports equipment to be stored onboard without cluttering the exterior decks.

On the upper level, an expansive flybridge will provide several areas for relaxation and socializing. The outdoor decks will also accommodate alfresco dining, enjoying the sea, and recreational activities.
This design reflects a significant evolution in expectations within the luxury yachting market.

A yacht is no longer viewed simply as a means of transportation or a symbol of success. Increasingly, it is conceived as a genuine living environment where family and friends can gather in privacy and comfort.
For Lionel Messi, whose career has unfolded under constant media attention, the appeal of privacy carries particular significance.

MIM Ocean: Lionel Messi's Connection to the Balearic Islands

The intended destination of the future Sunreef Ultima 88 is one of the most interesting aspects of this order.
According to the shipyard, the catamaran will join MIM Ocean, the yachting fleet associated with Lionel Messi and based in the Balearic Islands.

The Spanish archipelago holds an important place in the Argentine footballer's life, reflecting his longstanding connection with the Mediterranean.

Mallorca, Ibiza, Formentera, and Menorca are also among Europe's leading luxury yachting destinations, with a high concentration of private yachts, charter companies, and specialized marina infrastructure.
In this environment, a catamaran offers several advantages.

Its extensive living spaces allow guests to be accommodated comfortably, while its stability at anchor and sea-oriented amenities meet the expectations of clients seeking comfort and water-based recreation.
The Jet Ski garage, Ocean Lounge, and spacious flybridge reinforce this positioning.

However, Sunreef's announcement does not specify exactly how the future Ultima 88 will be operated, including whether it will be used commercially, privately by Messi, or through a combination of both.
A delivery date has not been announced either.

Francis Lapp: “True Luxury Is the Freedom to Choose How You Spend Your Time”

For Francis Lapp, founder and CEO of Sunreef Yachts, welcoming Lionel Messi into the brand's community of owners represents a particularly meaningful endorsement.

The French entrepreneur, who founded Sunreef Yachts in 2002, has gradually developed the company into one of the world's leading builders of luxury catamarans.

In the announcement confirming the order, Lapp emphasizes Messi's exceptional achievements while highlighting the personal dimension of their new relationship.

“At Sunreef Yachts, we believe that true luxury lies in the freedom to choose how you spend your time, with the people who matter most. The sea offers that freedom in its purest form,” he explains.
This philosophy reflects the brand's positioning, which increasingly emphasizes the onboard lifestyle as much as the technical specifications of its yachts.

Lionel Messi appears to share that vision of yachting.

“It is a real pleasure to join the Sunreef family. My family and I have always loved spending time at sea whenever we have the opportunity,” says the Argentine footballer.

He also expresses his appreciation for the builder's yacht designs and onboard features.
“Sunreef Yachts have the style and features that I particularly appreciate. They are exactly what I am looking for. I really can't wait to discover the Ultima 88 and enjoy it with my family.”

These statements reinforce the central role that family life is expected to play in the yacht's future cruising program.

Sunreef Yachts Continues Its Industrial Expansion in the United Arab Emirates

Beyond the identity of its owner, the construction of this Ultima 88 also illustrates the growing internationalization of Sunreef Yachts' manufacturing operations.

Founded in 2002 by Francis Lapp, the company initially developed in Gdańsk, Poland, where it established its reputation in the large recreational catamaran market.

The brand progressively became a major player in both luxury sailing and power catamarans, with production characterized by high levels of customization and semi-custom construction.

To support its expansion, Sunreef subsequently decided to increase its industrial capacity in the United Arab Emirates, where it now operates facilities dedicated to yacht construction.

It is within this industrial network that Lionel Messi's future yacht is taking shape.

This location allows the builder to strengthen its presence in international luxury yachting markets, particularly in the Middle East, while expanding production capacity.

It also supports the brand's move further upmarket, with increasingly substantial vessels and a wider variety of cruising programs.

With the Ultima Range, Sunreef Targets Traditional Motor Yacht Owners

Lionel Messi's choice also highlights the diversification strategy pursued by Sunreef Yachts.
Historically, the shipyard built its reputation on large cruising catamarans, valued for their interior space, comfort, and customization potential.

With the Ultima range, the builder is seeking to attract a different clientele, particularly owners accustomed to sporty luxury motor yachts.

The objective is to preserve the advantages of multihull construction, especially generous living areas and stability, while introducing more dynamic styling and powerful propulsion systems.

The Ultima 88 embodies this evolution.

Its architecture emphasizes open-plan living spaces, extensive glazing, and a continuous connection between the interior accommodations and the surrounding sea.

This positioning reflects a broader transformation of the large yacht market, where catamarans are gaining ground against traditional monohulls.

Owners increasingly seek expansive living areas, direct access to the water, and a yachting experience that is less exclusively focused on cruising.

The yacht is becoming a floating residence, capable of moving between anchorages according to its owner's wishes while offering the amenities and comfort of a luxury waterfront villa.