Celebrity

The 7 best watches of the Argentina national football team

In the wake of Argentina's victory at the 2022 World Cup, we examine the watches of the world champion team, from Messi's iconic Audemars Piguet collaboration to Paulo Dybala's finest Patek

By Joshua Hendren

As a sea of blue and white floods the globe, with Argentina having prevailed in what was probably the finest World Cup Final ever played, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to spotlight the world champion team’s impeccable taste in wrist candy. Scroll to discover a bounty of ticking beauties, from Jacob & Co. creations to a ghostly Rolex.

Lionel Messi’s Jacob and Co. Epic X Chrono Lionel Messi

Messi watch collection
Lionel Messi wearing a Jacob & Co. Epic X Chrono Messi Titanium (Photo via Jacob & Co.)

In 2019, Swiss watchmaker Jacob & Co. unveiled a new partnership with footballing superstar Lionel Messi, and debuted the first fruits of the collaboration: the Epic X Chrono Messi watch. Here, Messi wears a version in grade 5 titanium with a white ceramic bezel and pushers, and red rubber crowns for the chronograph functions. Only 180 pieces were made.

Paulo Dybala’s Rolex Daytona Rainbow 116595RBOW

Paulo Dybala wearing a Rolex Daytona Rainbow 116595RBOW (Photo via Lamborghini)

On a factory visit at the Lamborghini headquarters in January 2020, Argentine forward Paulo Dybala wore the lusted-after Rolex Daytona Rainbow. Set with nearly 100 sapphires and diamonds, the model is a favourite among sporting elite for its exclusivity and unique appeal.

Lautaro Martinez’s Patek Philippe Aquanaut Chronograph 5968G​​

Lautaro Martinez wearing a Patek Philippe Aquanaut Chronograph 5968G​​ (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

For a press appearance during the World Cup 2022 in Qatar, Lautaro Martinez chose Patek Philippe‘s Aquanaut Chronograph 5968G. Sculpted in white gold, the timepiece stands out with a bold khaki colourway and matching composite strap.

Lionel Messi’s Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph Leo Messi

Lionel Messi wearing an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph Leo Messi (Photo by Fabrice Coffrini/Getty Images)

No such list would be complete without Messi’s 2012 collaboration with Audemars Piguet. The limited-edition Royal Oak Leo Messi Chronograph comes in three iterations – steel, rose gold and platinum – with a hand stitched anthracite Alligator strap and a folding AP clasp.

Ángel Correa’s Rolex Daytona ‘Ghost Dial’ 116519LN​​

Ángel Correa wearing a Rolex Daytona ‘Ghost Dial’ 116519LN​​ (Getty Images)

Argentina’s forward and winger Ángel Correa has an astute eye for top-tier timepieces. Case in point: this über-chic Rolex Daytona ‘Ghost Dial’ 116519LN​​, with its black ceramic bezel and white gold and steel case.

Paulo Dybala’s Patek Philippe Nautilus Chronograph 5980/1R

Paulo Dybala wearing a Patek Philippe Nautilus Chronograph 5980/1R (Photo by Daniele Badolato/Getty Images)

What’s not to love about Paulo Dybala’s Patek Philippe Nautilus Chronograph 5980/1R? Its signature octagonal shape provides an eye-catching quality, bathed in the glow of its rose gold architecture.

Lionel Messi’s Patek Philippe Nautilus 5740 Perpetual Calendar

Lionel Messi wearing a Patek Philippe Nautilus 5740 Perpetual Calendar(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

If you have a spare $145K lying around, this Nautilus Perpetual Calendar Ref. 5740/1G from Patek Philippe, worn here by Leo Messi in 18K white gold, is an unapologetically bold addition to the wrist rotation of any watch connoisseur.

Like this? Take a look at Kylian Mbappé’s collection of Hublot watches