World cup Qualifiers: Messi lends Private jet to teammates
Lionel Messi has shown his charitable side again by offering use of his private jet to his Argentina team-mates as they head back to South America for the international break.
Argentina face Bolivia and Ecuador on Friday and Tuesday respectively, in their first two 2022 World Cup qualifiers this month. The team no doubt would have been faced with some of the difficulties of travelling induced by the coronavirus pandemic.
However, Barcelona legend Messi has made things easier for some of those playing in Europe by inviting them to travel with him on his private £12m Gulfstream V jet.
The likes of Paulo Dybala, Juan Foyth, Marcos Acuna, Lucas Ocampos and Nicolas Otamendi are all understood to have flown out to South America on the aircraft.
Used mainly for travelling back to his native Argentina, it doesn’t take Messi long to get to most places, with the Blaugrana skipper often making use of the private aircraft.
Made by a company in Argentina, the plane is designed for Messi to use with his family, and boasts a purpose built kitchen and two bathrooms.
There are also 16 seats, for when he travels with friends or extended family, which can turn into eight beds.
Upon boarding the aircraft, the steps feature the names of Messi and his family, including wife Antonella, and children Thiago, Ciro and Mateo.
There is also a trademark No 10 on the tail of the plane – the number Messi has worn for years with Barcelona and Argentina.
Despite the incredible personalisation, it is understood that Messi does not actually own the aircraft, but instead leases it on a regular basis.
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Unfortunately, the Barca captain is set to miss this month’s El Clasico due to his participation in international duty.
Messi will have to quarantine for 14 days upon returning home, meaning he will miss the game against Getafe a week earlier, and is two days short of being free to play against Real Madrid.