Lionel Messi, esteemed Argentinian footballer and the captain of Inter Miami and Argentina's national team, possesses a private Gulfstream V jet. The aircraft, manufactured in 2004, bears the registration LV-IRQ and was acquired by Messi in 2018 for approximately $15 million. Reflecting his familiarity with private aviation, he once owned an Embraer Legacy 650 valued at $35 million.
The Gulfstream V, known for its reliability and high performance, aligns with Messi's travel needs, offering flexibility and privacy. It boasts a top speed of Mach 0.885 and a range of 7,480 miles, enabling trips like Miami to Buenos Aires or New York to Europe with ease. The jet features 14 leather seats convertible to seven beds, with personalized exterior touches like Messi's jersey number 10 and his family members' names on the steps.
Messi's travel demands, due to his global commitments as a sportsman and public figure, necessitate the frequent use of the jet. Notably, between June and August 2022, he reportedly logged 368 flight hours, showcasing the jet's importance to his schedule. When not in use by Messi and his family, the aircraft, operated by Flyzar, is leased out, offsetting operational costs.