Messi’s habit of travelling by private plane has provoked criticism
Soccer superstar Lionel Messi’s frequent private jet travel has drawn criticism from environmental activists.
To meet his travel needs, Messi purchased a Gulfstream V private jet in 2004 for $15 million. The plane includes 2 kitchens and a bathroom and can accommodate 16 passengers. Notably, the steps bear the names of Messi and his family members: his wife Antonella and his sons Thiago, Ciro and Mateo.
However, this is also an issue that has led to the famous Argentine player being criticised by some quarters. Environmentalists believe that Messi’s frequent trips on private jets have a negative impact on the environment.
Specifically, according to statistics from L’Équipe , Messi’s plane made 52 flights from June 1 to August 31. The total amount of carbon dioxide emitted by this vehicle into the environment is 1,502 tons, equivalent to the average level of a Frenchman in 150 years.
14 of the 52 flights mentioned above were flights across the Atlantic Ocean. The remaining number includes 30 intercontinental flights and 8 domestic flights.
Messi’s plane makes numerous flights between Argentina and the United States, mainly to and from Miami, USA, but also one to New York. The number of trips between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Miami is 5.
On June 10, 22 and 23, Messi’s plane made three flights between Montevideo, Uruguay and Miami. He also went to Brazil.
Last summer Messi’s plane also arrived and left Barcelona 7 times. Other destinations include Tenerife, Bilbao, Nice and Figari.
June to mid-July is the time when Messi spends his summer holidays with family and friends. The former Barça star usually spends holidays with close friends, including Luis Suárez and Cesc Fabregas.
As Time reports, aviation remains one of the main causes of the climate crisis. The biggest impact comes from a small group of people, the wealthy who fly by private jet.
The report also notes that the climate impact of the superyachts of the super-rich generates a significant amount of carbon emissions.
According to a 2016 study, private jets account for about 4% of total aviation emissions each year. This group of vehicles is estimated to emit more than 33 million tonnes of greenhouse gases, more than the emissions of Denmark.
Because private jets carry so few people, they pollute 5 to 14 times more than commercial aircraft, per passenger, and 50 times more than trains.
According to climate change advocates, Messi is entitled to privileges based on the money he earns, but Messi needs to review the negative impact his vehicle has on the outside environment.