There was much debate when it was revealed that a property owned by Lionel Messi, the world’s top football star, is a place where planes must take a detour to fly over.
Previously, Lionel Messi’s family lived in a modest area called Bellamar, situated in the suburban municipality of Castelldefels, approximately 25 kilometers from Barcelona, Spain.
The old villa was purchased by the Argentine star for £1.8 million in 2009, with an additional £6 million spent on renovations (totaling around $10.3 million), according to Barcelona Checkin. The villa features numerous balconies and wide windows that provide views of the Catalonia hills, located close to the Mediterranean coast.
Messi’s home is only 10 kilometers from Barcelona El Prat, one of the busiest international airports in Europe. Airport management wanted to expand the terminal with a runway over the sea, passing through the towns of Gava and Castelldefels—where Messi resides. However, the proposed project, which lasted three years, was not approved.
In 2018, Javier Sánchez-Prieto, CEO of the Spanish low-cost airline Vueling, revealed the reason related to Messi. “You cannot fly over where Messi lives; this does not happen anywhere else in the world.”, he stated.
One of the properties owned by the Argentine football superstar. (Photo: Apartment).
This led to information suggesting that planes are not allowed to fly over the home of Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi. Previously, Spanish star Luis Suarez also enjoyed a similar “privilege.” Both footballers’ homes are located in the suburbs of Barcelona, Spain. This sparked public debate about the influence of these two football icons, as well as what might be hidden within their homes.
Shortly after, Vueling had to clarify on their website that they never intended to involve the player in any controversy, according to ESPN.
The reality is, the truth lies in geography.
Messi’s old house is located in the town of Gava, about 25 kilometers from Barcelona and within the Del Garraf Natural Park. According to Spanish environmental laws, this area is home to critically endangered flora and fauna that require legal protection.
Aircraft noise pollution poses a significant problem, as it can disrupt the rich wildlife. Thus, Spanish law has imposed a flight ban around this area.
As a result, planes arriving and departing from El Prat Airport must take a small detour over the Mediterranean to avoid this area. This is also why tourists flying to Barcelona may need to turn around in the air.
Distance from El Prat Airport to Messi’s home. (Photo: Knowxup).
The villa overlooks the Catalonia hills, located by the Mediterranean Sea. (Video: SOFOO).
Coincidentally, both Messi’s and Suarez’s homes are situated in a protected area. The two football stars have no connection to this law. Fortunately, they own property in one of the quietest areas on Earth.
However, some people remain skeptical, believing that Messi, as a superstar, should inherit many rare privileges. This debate continued for a long time until Messi left Barcelona, at which point it came to an end.
As of now, that villa still belongs to Messi, but his family has moved to another residence.
