Global football icon Lionel Messi’s recent visit to India has been making headlines for multiple reasons, from his high-profile interactions to his quiet moments away from the spotlight. One such moment occurred on Tuesday when the Argentine superstar visited Vantara, the ambitious wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and conservation centre located in Jamnagar. While the visit itself drew immense attention, it was an unexpected detail that truly captivated fashion and luxury watch enthusiasts worldwide — the ultra-rare timepiece spotted on Messi’s wrist.
Messi’s appearance at Vantara was hosted by Anant Ambani, and videos and photographs from the visit quickly surfaced online. Observers initially noted that Messi did not appear to be wearing a watch when he arrived at the conservation centre. However, during the course of the meeting, eagle-eyed fans and luxury watch trackers noticed a striking addition to his look: an exclusive Richard Mille watch that had not been seen on him earlier. This sudden appearance sparked speculation that the watch may have been a special gift presented to Messi during his visit.
The luxury watch sighting was first highlighted by the popular Instagram account Celebrity Watch Spotter, which closely follows high-end timepieces worn by global celebrities. Sharing a photograph of Messi wearing the watch, the page captioned the post: “During his visit to India this week, Anant Ambani hosted Lionel Messi at the Vantara wildlife conservation centre! Messi didn’t appear to be wearing a watch when he first arrived, but mid-meeting, he was spotted wearing the carbon Richard Mille RM 003 GMT Tourbillon ‘Asia Edition,’ limited to just 12 pieces.”
The watch in question, the Richard Mille RM 003-V2 GMT Tourbillon “Asia Edition,” is considered one of the brand’s most iconic and defining creations. Introduced during Richard Mille’s early years, the RM 003 played a crucial role in shaping the brand’s identity, blending cutting-edge engineering with bold, avant-garde design. Over the years, it has become one of the most sought-after models among elite collectors.
Crafted using an ultra-lightweight black carbon case, the RM 003-V2 stands out for its technical brilliance and futuristic aesthetic. The skeletonised dial offers a clear view of the intricate internal mechanisms, allowing wearers to admire the complexity of its movement. Among its standout features is a tourbillon, a highly sophisticated mechanism designed to improve accuracy by counteracting the effects of gravity. The watch also includes a GMT function, enabling the wearer to track multiple time zones — a fitting feature for a global icon like Messi.
What truly elevates the RM 003-V2 “Asia Edition” into the realm of horological legend is its extreme rarity. Only 12 pieces of this particular edition were produced worldwide, making it one of the most exclusive Richard Mille watches ever created. Its limited availability, combined with the brand’s reputation for innovation and luxury, has made it a prized possession among collectors and connoisseurs.
According to luxury watch marketplace Chrono24, the estimated value of Messi’s Richard Mille RM 003-V2 GMT Tourbillon stands at a staggering ₹1,17,424,941. This eye-watering price tag places it firmly among the most expensive watches in the world and reflects its rarity, craftsmanship and historical significance within the Richard Mille catalogue.
Messi now joins an elite group of high-profile individuals who own this ultra-rare timepiece. Notable owners of the RM 003-V2 include Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah, Formula 1 driver Mick Schumacher, former FIA president and Ferrari team principal Jean Todt, Crown Prince of Johor Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, and renowned independent watchmaker Kari Voutilainen. Ownership of such a watch is often seen as a symbol of refined taste and access to the highest echelons of luxury.
While neither Messi nor Anant Ambani has publicly commented on the watch or the speculation surrounding its appearance, the moment has added another layer of intrigue to Messi’s India visit. Known for his understated personal style, Messi is often seen wearing Richard Mille watches, a brand with which he has shared a long-standing association. However, the sudden appearance of such a rare piece during his time at Vantara has only fuelled curiosity among fans and luxury watchers alike.
Beyond the watch, Messi’s visit to Vantara highlighted the growing global attention on wildlife conservation initiatives in India. Yet, for many, the image of the football legend wearing one of the rarest watches ever made remains the most talked-about takeaway — a perfect blend of sport, luxury and exclusivity that only Lionel Messi can effortlessly pull off.
