Lionel Messi. The name resonates with footballing greatness, unbelievable skill, and a trophy cabinet that gleams as brightly as any treasure hoard. But beyond the pitch, the Argentinian maestro possesses another collection that commands attention – his impressive array of Rolex watches.
For those unfamiliar, Rolex isn’t just a timepiece; it’s a statement. A symbol of achievement, precision, and timeless elegance—and Messi’s wrist seems to be a favored resting place for some of the brand’s most coveted creations. So, let’s delve into the horological world of Leo Messi and explore some of the stunning Rolexes he’s been spotted sporting.
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The Coveted Chronographs: Messi’s Daytonas
It appears Messi has a particular penchant for the iconic Rolex Daytona. This chronograph, born from the world of motorsports, is a favorite among collectors, and Messi’s collection boasts some truly exceptional examples.
The Classic “Panda” Daytona (Ref. 116500LN): A timeless and highly sought-after model with its contrasting black bezel and white dial. This shows a nod to classic style within his collection.
The Yellow Gold Daytona with Green Dial (Ref. 116508), often nicknamed the “John Mayer”: This luxurious combination of warm gold and a striking green dial makes for a powerful and distinctive look.
The Meteorite Dial Daytona (Ref. 116509): For a touch of the cosmic, Messi has been seen with a Daytona featuring a dial crafted from a slice of meteorite. Each dial is unique, making this a truly special piece.
The “Barbie” Daytona (Ref. 126538TRO): Recently spotted on Messi, this off-catalog model is as rare as it is vibrant. Its bright pink dial has earned it the “Barbie” nickname, showcasing Messi’s playful and confident style. It’s a bold choice that demonstrates his access to Rolex’s most exclusive pieces.
The “Beach” Daytona (Ref. 116519): A throwback to a colorful series from the early 2000s, Messi has been seen with this white gold model featuring a unique pink mother-of-pearl dial. It’s a fun and luxurious timepiece, perfect for his life in Miami.
The Rainbow Daytona (Ref. 116595RBOW): Prepare to be dazzled. This vibrant timepiece, with its bezel set with a gradient of rainbow-colored sapphires, is a bold and luxurious statement. It perfectly reflects a personality that’s both extraordinary and capable of moments of pure magic.
The “Le Mans” Daytona (Ref. 126528LN): A true showstopper, this special edition was released to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans race. It features a stunning reverse “Panda” dial and a red “100” on the tachymeter scale, making it an instant collector’s item and a nod to sporting history.
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The Mark of Success: The Day-Date “President”
Known as the “President’s watch,” the Rolex Day-Date is an ultimate symbol of achievement. Messi has been spotted wearing the prestigious platinum version (Ref. 228206), a timepiece that exudes power and sophistication. The Day-Date, with its iconic President bracelet and day and date displays, is a fitting choice for a global icon.
Life on the Water: The Yacht-Master
Living in Barcelona and now Miami, a connection to the sea is natural. The Rolex Yacht-Master in Everose gold (Ref. 126655) seen on Messi’s wrist reflects this lifestyle. This elegant yet sporty watch is perfect for both relaxed and more formal occasions.
Lionel Messi has a new team, and a new watch: https://t.co/j4oscmxVbL pic.twitter.com/ehDo8NileW
— GQ Magazine (@GQMagazine) August 14, 2021
Globetrotting Style: The GMT-Master II “Pepsi”
As a global superstar constantly on the move, the Rolex GMT-Master II “Pepsi” (Ref. 126710BLRO) is a practical and stylish companion. Its iconic blue and red bezel allows for tracking a second time zone – a must-have for an international figure like Messi.
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Elegance in Simplicity: Oyster Perpetuals
Beyond the chronograph glamour, Messi also appreciates the understated elegance of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual. These watches, the foundation of Rolex’s reputation for reliability and precision, showcase a more subtle side of his taste. He’s been seen with models featuring vibrant yellow and stylish pink dials, proving that even in simplicity, there’s room for personality.
Lionel Messi rocked an Inter Miami-coded Rollie right before it was discontinued. The footie ace wore the Oyster Perpetual ref 126000 ‘Candy Pink’ just days before it was culled, with three new colour dials being unveiled at Watches and Wonders this week: https://t.co/MeunDDANb2 pic.twitter.com/AKA4hMHwEe
— British GQ (@BritishGQ) April 2, 2025
The Rare Gem: Submariner “Sapphire Smurf” (Ref. 116659SABR)
Perhaps one of the most eye-catching and incredibly rare pieces in Messi’s collection is the Rolex Submariner “Sapphire Smurf” or SABR. This luxurious take on the classic diver’s watch features a striking blue dial and, most notably, a bezel adorned with sapphires and diamonds. It’s a testament to his status and appreciation for truly exceptional horology.
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Lionel Messi’s Rolex collection is more than just a display of wealth; it’s a reflection of his journey, his achievements, and his evolving style. From the sporty Daytonas that echo his dynamic presence on the field to the elegant Oyster Perpetuals and the prestigious Day-Date, each timepiece tells a story. It’s a reminder that even off the pitch, Messi operates at the highest level, with a taste for the very best.
And just like Messi curates a collection of horological excellence, we at Buy Best Quality Watches
offer a meticulously vetted selection of pre-owned luxury watches, including a wide range of Rolex models. Explore our ever-changing inventory and find your own statement timepiece that reflects your personal triumphs and style.
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