Inside Messi's ₹136cr private jet that flew him to India
What's the story
Lionel Messi, the Argentine football superstar, is in India for the GOAT India Tour 2025. He arrived at Kolkata airport on December 13. But what caught everyone's attention was his private jet. The ultra-luxurious aircraft is a Gulfstream GV, a long-range business jet that has been customized to meet Messi's needs and requirements.
Jet details
Gulfstream GV: A glimpse into Messi's travel style
The Gulfstream GV is not just a mode of transport for Messi, but a carefully curated personal space. The exterior of the jet features the number "10" on its tail, a tribute to the jersey number that defined an era in football. The steps of the aircraft are also personalized with the names of his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their three sons - Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro.
Interior features
Inside Messi's private jet: A blend of comfort and functionality
The interior of the Gulfstream GV is all about comfort and functionality. It has 14 reclining seats for Messi, his family, and team members to travel together comfortably. There is also a fully equipped kitchen, six beds, two bathrooms, and modern in-flight amenities that make long-haul journeys feel seamless. Luxury aviation experts say these interiors are designed to support recovery and focus - key elements for an athlete like Messi whose performance relies on rest as much as training.
Jet capabilities
The jet can fly at 51,000 feet
Messi reportedly acquired the Gulfstream V for some $15 million (around ₹135.8 crore). The jet can fly at an altitude of 51,000 feet and bypass commercial air traffic, enabling non-stop travel between major global cities like New York to Tokyo or London to Singapore without layovers. This is not Messi's first experience with private aviation. He had previously owned an Embraer Legacy 650 worth an estimated $35 million.