Lionel Messi is making headlines for more than football after arriving in Argentina carrying one of the rarest Hermès bags in the world. The Inter Miami star was spotted with a Hermès Haut à Courroies Cargo 40, a luxury travel bag that can sell for as much as £74,045 ($99,000) on the resale market.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner shared a glimpse of his arrival on Instagram, but it was the exclusive handbag over his shoulder that quickly caught fans' attention. The sighting has sparked fresh interest in one of Hermès' hardest-to-find designs and highlighted how luxury travel bags are becoming a growing part of men's fashion.
Messi's Rare Hermès Bag Quickly Became Centre of Attention
Messi kept his outfit simple for the journey, pairing casual clothing with the Hermès Haut à Courroies Cargo 40. While the football icon is known for his understated style, the bag stood out thanks to its distinctive design and rarity.
Lionel Messi carrying a rare Hermès Cargo HAC 40 Birkin bag (2025) pic.twitter.com/rLIUiQfA2R
— HARDEST FIT PICS (@HardestFitPics) July 21, 2026
Unlike the Birkin or Kelly, the Haut à Courroies, often shortened to HAC, was originally created as a travel bag. The Cargo version updates the classic silhouette with exterior utility pockets while preserving the handmade craftsmanship that has made Hermès one of the world's most sought-after luxury brands.
The exact model Messi carried is rarely available through Hermès boutiques, making it especially desirable among collectors. Most buyers can only find it through trusted resale platforms, where limited supply continues to push prices higher.
The Six-Figure Resale Market Behind the Bag
Hermès does not publicly list the Haut à Courroies Cargo 40 on its official website, so pricing largely comes from the resale market.
Luxury reseller Joli Closet has listed the model for about £41,546 ($47,405), while JaneFinds has offered another example for around £48,615 ($65,000). A separate listing on 1stDibs values the same bag at nearly £74,045 ($99,000), placing it among the most expensive luxury travel bags currently available.
The wide range reflects the resale market, where rarity, condition, leather type and colour can significantly affect value. Collectors continue to see rare Hermès pieces as long-term investment items because production remains limited.
Luxury Handbags Are Becoming a Staple in Men's Fashion
Messi is far from the only male celebrity embracing luxury handbags. Pharrell Williams, Lewis Hamilton, Colman Domingo, A$AP Rocky and Bad Bunny have all helped make designer bags a regular part of modern menswear.
Luxury fashion houses including Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Dior and Prada have also expanded their men's leather goods collections in recent years. Rather than marketing handbags as products for women alone, many brands now present them as versatile accessories designed for every wardrobe.
Fashion experts have also pointed to a growing demand for practical luxury, with travel bags, totes and crossbody styles becoming increasingly popular among male shoppers looking for craftsmanship as well as function.
Messi Continues to Shape Style Beyond Football
While Messi's achievements on the pitch have made him one of the most celebrated athletes in history, his off-field style has increasingly attracted attention from the fashion world.
Whether he is wearing tailored suits, luxury watches or rare accessories, the Argentine captain continues to show a preference for understated elegance rather than flashy trends. His latest appearance with the Hermès Haut à Courroies Cargo 40 is another example of how athletes are influencing luxury fashion beyond sponsorship deals and runway campaigns.
As designer travel bags continue to gain popularity among men, Messi's airport look proves that even a simple arrival can turn an exclusive accessory into one of fashion's biggest talking points.
