Inside Lionel Messi’s outrageous watch collection

Lionel Messi’s last-ever Argentina World Cup may have come to an end, but the fanfare surrounding his watch game most certainly hasn’t. The footballing icon has spent the last 19 years amassing a spectacular watch collection, spanning big-punching statements via Jacob & Co. to classic Rolexes. Here, we examine the most prized tickers in his personal treasure trove.

Patek Philippe Aquanaut Chronograph 5968A

Value: $135,000

Ahead of his Leagues Cup match against Cruz Azul, Messi was photographed wearing this ultra-rare Patek Philippe Aquanaut with a neon orange strap.

Marking the superstar as a true connoisseur, the Aquanaut Chronograph 5968A wristwatch is the debut chronograph of the Aquanaut collection, first introduced in 2018. Housed in a 42.2 mm stainless steel case, the timepiece is punctuated by an embossed black dial, complete with Arabic numerals and a chronograph display at 6 o’clock.

Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar 5270P​​

Value: $233,000

As he scooped up the title of the Best FIFA Men’s Player 2022 at the seventh annual Best FIFA Football Awards, Lionel Messi was photographed wearing the spectacular Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar 5270P ‘Green’ in platinum.

First unveiled in 2011, the 5270P chronograph is driven by the manually wound calibre CH 29‑535 PS Q, and marked by its signature concave bezel, two-tier lugs and lacquered green dial.

Patek Philippe Nautilus Perpetual Calendar Ref. 5740/1G

Value: $160,000

This $145,000 Patek Philippe made waves at a press conference ahead of Argentina’s match against Saudi Arabia for this year’s FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The timepiece in question is a Nautilus Perpetual Calendar Ref. 5740/1G, rocked here by the sporting legend in 18K white gold. The Ref. 5740/1G was not only the first grand complication in the Nautilus range, but the thinnest perpetual calendar produced by the manufacture when it debuted in 2018.

Jacob & Co. Epic X Chrono Messi

Value: $600,000

In 2019, Jacob & Co. unveiled the first fruits of a collaboration with Messi: the Epic X Chrono Messi watch. Limited to just 180 pieces, Messi’s name and a stylized M can be seen on a statement dial at 6 o’clock, while the colours of this piece feature light blue and white, the colours of Messi’s home country’s flag, Argentina.

Later in the year, Jacob & Co. introduced two new additions to the collection with an Epic X Chrono Rose Gold version that features an 18K 5N rose gold and titanium case with gold pushers and white rubber crowns.

Additionally, the brand released the Epic X Chrono Baguette watch. Limited to just 36 pieces and crafted in 18K white gold and titanium, the case of this variation is encircled by baguette-cut diamonds 

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master Ref. 126655

Value: $27,300

Just last year, Messi caused a stir in Paris wearing a rose-gold Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master Ref. 126655​​ as he signed a new $80 million contract with Paris Saint-Germain upon leaving FC Barcelona after 21 years with the club. 

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph Leo Messi

Value: $125,000

Back in 2012, the footballer partnered with Audemars Piguet on a limited-edition Royal Oak Leo Messi Chronograph. A playful reimagining of the 42mm Royal Oak Chrono, this updated model appeared in three versions: one in steel limited to 500 pieces; one in rose gold limited to 400 pieces; and one in platinum limited to just 100 pieces.

Rolex Submariner Date 116659 SABR

Value: $160,000

Arguably the highlight of Messi’s collection of Rolex watches is this Submariner 116659 SABR. The 40mm watch is made of 18k white gold, with a blue dial and an oyster bracelet. The bezel has 27 dark blue baguette sapphires, 11 baguette-cut diamonds and a triangle-cut diamond at 12 o’clock. There are also 92 brilliant-cut diamonds on the case and crown shield. Its estimated value on the market can go up to $160,000.

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