😎⌚ Messi Stuns with Ultra-Rare Watch at Inter Miami Sidelines – Only 10 in the World, But Is Its Jaw-Dropping Value Really $2 Million?

In the electrifying world of Major League Soccer, where every match pulses with drama, Lionel Messi remains the undisputed king. But even off the pitch, the Argentine maestro knows how to steal the spotlight. On a balmy July evening at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, during Inter Miami’s tense 0-0 draw against FC Cincinnati, Messi’s wrist became the real MVP. Sidelines-bound due to a one-match suspension for skipping the MLS All-Star Game—a decision that left the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner “extremely upset,” as per club owner Jorge Mas—the 38-year-old GOAT didn’t let the bench dim his shine. Instead, he flashed an ultra-rare Rolex Daytona “Barbie” that has watch aficionados buzzing: a timepiece so exclusive, only 10 exist worldwide. But here’s the hook—is its eye-watering price tag of $2 million fact or just hype? Let’s dive into the sparkle.

Picture this: Messi, clad in his signature Inter Miami pink kit, sits pensively in the dugout, his son Thiago by his side, cheering on the Herons without him. Eagle-eyed fans and social media sleuths zeroed in not on his missed chances, but on the glittering distraction adorning his left wrist. The Rolex Daytona 126538TRO “Barbie”—an off-catalogue masterpiece in 18k yellow gold—gleams with a vibrant pink dial, baguette-cut pink sapphire hour markers, and a bezel encrusted with matching gems. It’s not just a watch; it’s a conversation starter, perfectly syncing with Miami’s flamingo-hued jerseys. As one X post from luxury watch insider @LuxuryShots1 raved, “Argentine footballer #Messi is wearing an out-of-catalogue #ROLEX Daytona ‘Barbie’… Market Price: $800,000.” But whispers in collector circles push that figure skyward, with resellers like Big Moe Watches pegging it at over $2 million on the secondary market. Why the discrepancy? Rolex doesn’t slap an official price on these bespoke beauties, crafted exclusively for VIP clients like Messi, rappers, or Middle Eastern royalty. They’re “off-menu” indulgences, born from the brand’s secretive Geneva workshops, where artisans blend horological precision with haute couture flair.

So, is $2 million a stretch? Let’s break it down. At its core, the Daytona is Rolex’s iconic chronograph, launched in 1963 as a racer’s tool—think Paul Newman’s legendary “Paul Newman” variants that now fetch millions at auction. Messi’s “Barbie” elevates that legacy with audacious bling: the pink sapphire accents alone could cost six figures, while the scarcity—limited to just 10 pieces—fuels a frenzy among the ultra-wealthy. Comparable gem-set Daytonas, like the “Rainbow” model with its multicolored diamond bezel, trade for $500,000 to $1 million. Factor in Messi’s star power, and the “Barbie” becomes an investment-grade heirloom, appreciating faster than his on-field assists. As GQ’s watch editor noted in a recent feature on Messi’s collection, these aren’t mere accessories; they’re “rational indulgences”—status symbols that hold value like fine art. Yet skeptics argue the hype inflates the number; after all, GOAL.com clocked it at a “modest” $900,000, calling it an “eye-watering” but perhaps overstated flex. In a market where Rolex flips can double retail overnight, the truth likely lands in the $1.5–2 million sweet spot, making it a wrist-bound Picasso for the soccer elite.

Messi’s affinity for haute horology is no secret. The Inter Miami captain, pulling in $20 million annually from his MLS deal (plus $135 million total with endorsements, per Forbes), boasts a collection that’s as diverse as his playstyle. From understated Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshores with flyback chronographs and tourbillons—spotted during a March 2025 match—to the $230,000 Cartier Santos-Dumont “Companion” with its miniature Spider-Man sculpture at the dial’s heart, Messi’s vault rivals a Swiss bank. He’s rocked meteorite-dial Daytonas, “Le Mans” homages to vintage racers, and even pink Oyster Perpetuals that echo his team’s vibe. “Watches appeal to the American psyche as status symbols,” explains WWD’s luxury analyst, “but for Messi, they’re family heirlooms—investments in legacy.” It’s a far cry from his Barcelona days, when a simple Casio sufficed; now, each tick-tock whispers of World Cups won and records shattered.

This “Barbie” sighting isn’t just a flex—it’s Messi reminding us he’s timeless. Suspended or not, he turned a frustrating draw into a style masterclass, proving the GOAT’s influence extends beyond 90 minutes. As Inter Miami gears up for the Leagues Cup clash against Atlas, fans are left wondering: What wrist wonder will Leo unveil next? One thing’s certain—whether it’s a $2 million myth or reality, Messi’s got the world on his wrist. And we’re all just along for the ride.