Luxury electronics company Caviar has released limited-edition smartphones featuring football stars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo [1, 2].
This launch transforms one of sports' most famous rivalries into a high-end product competition, pitting the Android and Apple ecosystems against one another for the ultra-wealthy collector market [1, 2].
The "Legends" collection includes two bespoke devices: a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and an Apple iPhone 17 Pro [1, 2]. Both phones are finished in 24-karat gold and handcrafted enamel [1, 2]. The timing of the release was designed to align with the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup [2].
Price points for the collection are in the five-figure range [1]. Specifically, the Messi-branded Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is priced at $13,000 [3]. This particular model is rare, with only 19 units produced [3].
Caviar specializes in high-end customization, often using precious metals and rare materials to target global collectors [1]. By linking the devices to Messi and Ronaldo, the company leverages the enduring global appeal of both athletes to drive demand for its luxury hardware [1, 2].
“Caviar released limited-edition smartphones featuring football stars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.”
This release illustrates the intersection of sports celebrity and the 'Veblen good' market, where the value of a product is derived more from its exclusivity and price than its utility. By tying the devices to the 2026 World Cup and the Messi-Ronaldo rivalry, Caviar is not selling technology, but rather a status symbol that appeals to the intersection of football fandom and extreme wealth.
