For a man widely regarded as the greatest footballer of all time, travelling in style is not a luxury—it is a necessity. Argentine superstar Lionel Messi, captain of the national team and striker for Major League Soccer club Inter Miami, owns a private jet that mirrors the grandeur of his illustrious career.

With an estimated net worth of around 500 million US dollars—accumulated over two decades at clubs including FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain—Messi and his family travel aboard a Gulfstream V aircraft registered as LV-IRQ.

Messi purchased the jet in 2018 for an estimated 15 million US dollars. The aircraft, manufactured in 2004, is registered in Argentina and operated by Flyzar, a private charter company. Reports suggest Messi leases the aircraft out when not in personal use, helping offset the considerable operating costs.

It is not his first foray into private aviation. He previously owned an Embraer Legacy 650, valued at around 35 million US dollars.

A personal touch

What sets this aircraft apart from a standard corporate jet is the personal detail Messi has added. The number 10 — his iconic jersey number — is displayed prominently on the tail. The names of his wife Antonella and their three sons, Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro, are engraved on the aircraft steps, underscoring the family-first values he has spoken about throughout his career.

Following the purchase, the interior and exterior were comprehensively refurbished by Central Jets.

Inside the cabin

The Gulfstream V cabin is divided into three zones. Club seating accommodates dining, meetings, and entertainment. The aircraft has 14 large leather seats, convertible into seven lie-flat beds. Two enclosed lavatories are fitted with vanity units, one of which includes a wardrobe and shower.

A full-sized galley offers meal preparation facilities, including a convection oven, microwave, coffee maker, and chiller cabinet. A rear walk-in baggage compartment, crew rest area, satellite phones, Wi-Fi throughout, and a surround-sound entertainment system with large monitors complete the setup. A rear divan doubles as a bed and can be screened off by a pocket door for privacy.

The aircraft's signature large oval windows allow panoramic views and natural light, while the air system circulates 100 percent fresh air.

Performance and range

The Gulfstream V cruises at Mach 0.83 with a maximum speed of Mach 0.88 and a service ceiling of 51,000 feet. Its range of approximately 7,500 miles means it can fly nonstop from Dhaka to London, or from Miami to Buenos Aires, without refuelling. Endurance stands at over 14 hours.

The aircraft is powered by twin Rolls-Royce BR700-710 turbofan engines, each producing 15,000 pounds of thrust.

About the Gulfstream V

First flown in November 1995 and certified by the United States Federal Aviation Administration in April 1997, the Gulfstream V was the American manufacturer's first ultra-long-range aircraft. A total of 193 units were built before production ended. The type was later developed into the Gulfstream G550.

Beyond private ownership, the Gulfstream V is also used by military and government operators worldwide, including the United States Air Force for VIP transport. The National Center for Atmospheric Research operates one as an airborne laboratory.

The current market value of a pre-owned Gulfstream V stands at around 9.75 million US dollars. Charter rates range from 5,200 to 10,000 US dollars per flight hour. Annual operating costs, depending on usage, range from approximately 1.8 million to 3 million US dollars.

Source: Simple Flying