Following Argentina’s triumphant victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Lionel Messi, the team’s iconic captain, celebrated the historic achievement with a lavish and deeply personal gesture.

Messi gifted his teammates and staff with 35 personalized 24-carat gold iPhones, a luxurious token of appreciation worth approximately £175,000.

This extravagant present not only symbolizes the magnitude of Argentina’s success but also reflects Messi’s generosity and desire to commemorate the moment in a uniquely memorable way.

Messi’s journey to World Cup glory in Qatar was marked by his exceptional performance and leadership.

His goalscoring prowess helped Argentina navigate through challenging matches, culminating in a dramatic final against France that ended in a penalty shootout victory.

The win was a defining moment for Messi, cementing his legacy as one of football’s all-time greats and fulfilling a lifelong dream of lifting the World Cup trophy.

Wanting to give his colleagues a meaningful keepsake, Messi eschewed traditional gifts such as watches, opting instead for something both modern and opulent: personalized gold iPhones.

The idea was conceived in collaboration with Ben Lyons, CEO of iDesign Gold, a company specializing in luxury customized items.

Lyons revealed that Messi contacted them shortly after the tournament’s conclusion, expressing his wish to present a unique gift to every player and staff member involved in the campaign.

The custom phones feature a refined design that prominently includes the Argentina national team badge, now adorned with three stars to signify their World Cup triumphs.

Each device is inscribed with the recipient’s name, their national team shirt number, and the phrase “World Cup champions 2022.”

This personalization makes each phone a bespoke memento of the historic victory, blending cutting-edge technology with exquisite craftsmanship.

Photos and videos shared on social media show some of the custom devices, including those made for star players like Ángel Di María, Emiliano Martínez, Alexis Mac Allister, and of course, Messi himself.

The phones are not only lavish but also functional, merging luxury with everyday utility.

The bottom of each phone bears the branding of the manufacturer alongside the luxury service brand Patrick Group, though details about the latter’s role remain undisclosed.

The extravagant gift highlights the culture of luxury among top-tier footballers, many of whom use their substantial earnings to acquire bespoke items.

Neymar, for example, has been seen with gold wireless earphones, while Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech has invested in a similarly customized gold iPhone.

Messi’s choice to gift gold iPhones aligns with this trend, showcasing how elite athletes celebrate milestones with high-end, personalized possessions.

This gesture from Messi goes beyond mere opulence; it symbolizes unity, gratitude, and the shared journey of a team that achieved greatness together.

By providing each teammate and staff member with a personalized token, Messi acknowledges their collective effort and the bonds forged through their World Cup campaign.

The phones serve as a lasting reminder of their success, a tangible piece of history that recipients can cherish long after the celebrations have ended.

Moreover, Messi’s gift underscores the significance of the 2022 World Cup victory not just for the players but for Argentina as a nation.

After decades of near misses and heartbreaks on football’s biggest stage, the triumph was a moment of national pride and joy.

Messi’s role as captain and talisman made this achievement deeply personal, and his generosity reflects his understanding of the importance of commemorating such a landmark event.

In an era where sports achievements are often celebrated with medals and trophies alone, Messi’s choice to present personalized luxury technology is a modern twist that resonates with today’s culture.

It blends the worlds of sport, technology, and fashion, illustrating how athletes today express their success in diverse ways.

The gold iPhones are not just devices; they are symbols of victory, camaraderie, and the intersection of tradition and innovation.

In summary, Lionel Messi’s decision to gift 35 personalized 24-carat gold iPhones to his Argentina teammates and staff following their 2022 World Cup triumph is a remarkable testament to his leadership and generosity.

Valued at £175,000, these bespoke devices celebrate the team’s historic achievement and serve as enduring reminders of their shared journey to football glory.

Through this lavish and thoughtful gesture, Messi has shown that true champions honor their teammates not only on the pitch but also through meaningful acts of appreciation off it.