Footballer Lionel Messi spotted wearing a Rolex

Lionel Messi, Argentina's captain and defending World Cup champion, appeared at a June 2026 FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match against Algeria in Kansas City wearing the newly released Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 'Boetti' reference 134300-0010. The watch, visible on his left wrist as he held the ceremonial golden trophy, marked a notable departure from the footballer's typical conservative timepiece choices and reflected Rolex's recent venture into commissioned artist collaborations.

The Oyster Perpetual 41 'Boetti' ref. 134300-0010 is a stainless-steel sports watch measuring 41mm in diameter with a thickness of 11.55mm. The dial's defining feature is its multicolored jubilee motif—a dense grid of international flag symbols and abstract geometric shapes in bright reds, blues, yellows, and greens—directly referencing Afghan tapestry artist Alighiero Boetti's 'Arazzi' series of embroidered letter-square textiles. The watch is powered by Rolex's calibre 3230, a 3235-based movement offering a 70-hour power reserve and chronometer certification. The case is fitted with an Oyster bracelet of three-link design, brushed and polished stainless steel, secured by a Rolex Easylink adjustment system. Water resistance stands at 100 meters, appropriate for a dress-sports hybrid.

This reference represents Rolex's first explicit collaboration with a fine-art estate, signalling a strategic shift toward limited creative partnerships within the Oyster Perpetual collection. The 'Boetti' variant was produced in limited quantities beginning in 2026, making early examples already sought after by both Rolex collectors and contemporary-art enthusiasts. Unlike standard Oyster Perpetual releases, the 'Boetti' dial cannot be easily serviced or replaced, as Rolex sources the dial graphics exclusively from Boetti Foundation licensing agreements.

Messi's choice of the OP41 'Boetti' aligns with his established pattern of wearing culturally resonant, thoughtfully curated pieces rather than merely status-symbol horology. The footballer has previously favored Rolex sports models during public appearances, but the artistic dialogue of the 'Boetti' dial suggests a deeper engagement with watch design beyond mechanical specification. For Argentina, the pairing of a World Cup-winning captain with a watch referencing transcultural collaboration—echoing both Boetti's Afghan-Italian artistic practice and the global nature of football—carries symbolic weight.

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 'Boetti' ref. 134300-0010 retails at approximately $7,650 USD through official Rolex dealers, though initial grey-market pricing has already climbed to $9,500–$11,200 due to limited availability. Waitlists at authorized dealers extend 18–24 months, and the watch is considered a modern collectible likely to appreciate as awareness of the Boetti collaboration spreads among both horological and art-world audiences.