From his unique style of play to his impressive collection of tattoos, Lionel Messi has long been regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history. Now that he's made a high-profile move to Inter Miami, it's the perfect time to explore the captivating stories behind Messi's inkings.

His body art is an intriguing reflection of his life and passions, from heartfelt tributes to personal milestones. Let’s take a closer look at some of Lionel Messi’s most meaningful tattoos and discover what they represent about him as a person and athlete. Remember to protect your tattoo designs like a pro and shop tattoo aftercare today. 

Lionel Messi's family-inspired tattoos

Lionel Messi's first tattoo: his mother's portrait

The first tattoo to grace Lionel Messi's body was an incredibly personal one: a stunning portrait of his mother, Celia Maria Cuccittini. The black and white image sits on the left-hand side of his upper back and is incredibly meaningful for the FC Barcelona star. It not only serves as a tribute to his beloved mother but also symbolises his appreciation for her role in helping him achieve his dreams.

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Handprints tattoo for newborn son, Thiago

Another incredibly personal tattoo of Messi's is the handprints he got inked onto his left calf after the birth of his first son, Thiago, in November 2012. The hands were initially thought to resemble Maradona’s “Hand of God” goal at the 1986 World Cup, and so, to avoid any confusion Messi added Thiago’s name in a heart just below the handprints.

'Mateo' tattoo

Messi's second son, Mateo, was born in September 2015. The design of the 'Mateo' tattoo is typically elegant and minimalistic, showcasing his son's name in a stylish script font. It is placed vertically alongside other significant tattoos on his right arm, adding to the meaningful family narrative that lots of Messi's ink collection conveys.

Birthdate tattoo

In addition to the handprints of his oldest son, Thiago, and 'Mateo' tattoo, Messi also has the birthdates of all his three sons and wife inked onto the bottom of his right leg. This series of numbers is a beautiful reminder of the important people in his life and how far he has come as a father.

Tributes to his wife, Antonella

Messi has known his wife Antonella Roccuzzo since he was five years old and the two have been in a relationship since 2008. As a testament to his love, Messi has a number of tattoos dedicated to her.

Crown tattoo

One of the smallest tattoos on Lionel Messi's body is the simple crown tattoo he has on the inside of his right arm. It is a tribute to his wife, Antonella, who is the queen of his life. The matching crown tattoo that she has on her arm symbolises the strong bond they share and how much they mean to each other.

Eye tattoo

The large eye tattoo on the inside of Messi's right bicep is believed to be another tribute to Antonella. In an impressive realistic style, the eye really jumps out on his skin.

Lips tattoo

The kissing lips tattoo is perhaps the most discreet of all Lionel Messi's tattoos. The red and pink design is located below his waistline and is a representation of Antonella's lips.

Football tattoo

No surprise here: Lionel Messi has a tattoo of a football on his dominant left leg. The design is a tribute to his career and lifelong love of the game. With this tattoo, Messi conveys that football has made him the man he is today, and he wouldn't be here without it.

 

 

He also has a tattoo of the number 10, which has been his shirt number for both FC Barcelona and the Argentina National team. The iconic number is a symbol of Messi's excellence on the pitch and his status as one of football's all-time greats.

In a recent addition to his leg sleeve, Messi included the Barcelona crest, sparking speculation among fans of a potential return to the historic club. Instead, it appears that the tattoo is a heartfelt symbol of Messi's unwavering loyalty and deep appreciation for everything Barcelona has done for him throughout his illustrious career.

Lotus Flower tattoo

On the outside of Messi's right arm, there is a beautiful lotus tattoo. It symbolises that talent can come from anywhere, as Messi himself hails from a small town called Rosario in Argentina. The lotus tattoo also embodies the idea of rebirth and new beginnings, which is apt for Messi, who has recently just announced his latest move to Inter Miami.

Rose window tattoo

Another key feature of Messi's tattoo sleeve is the rose window tattoo he has on the outside of his right elbow. This tattoo is inspired by the famous Sagrada Familia church in Barcelona, where Messi played the majority of his career.

Jesus Christ portrait

Finally, at the top of Messi's full sleeve is a portrait of Jesus Christ. This impressive piece serves as a tribute to his undeniable Christian faith and is an important part of his story.

Cogs and clock tattoo

At the bottom of his tattoo sleeve is a large clock tattoo that spreads onto Messi's forearm and wrist. This tattoo is a reminder of the truly important things in life—most importantly time and the people he shares it with. The cogs below the main clock piece are a nod to his appreciation of time and how quickly it passes. As such, it captures the essence of Leo's philosophy on life and serves as a powerful symbol of his values.

Rosary tattoo

Also part of the sleeve piece is what may appear to some as a simple string of beads. However, this is actually a rosary in the shape of an outline of his hometown of Rosario. It pays tribute to Messi's roots and where he has come from, as well as reminding him to stay humble and remember his faith.

South America tattoo

It is also believed that Messi has a tattoo of South America and Europe on his right arm. This design is speculated to be a tribute to the two continents where Messi has lived throughout his life; however, its exact position remains a mystery.

Final thoughts on Lionel Messi's tattoos

Lionel Messi is one of the greatest footballers of all time, and his tattoos are just another example of how much he values his career and personal life. From family-inspired pieces to tributes to his hometown, the Argentinian legend has created a powerful collection that encapsulates all the important aspects of his character. Care for your tattoos in the same way with a professional tattoo product such as MTS Tattoo Balm.

All of Lionel Messi's tattoos tell a story that goes far deeper than ink, making them much more than just decorations, and his arms and leg sleeves are a testament to the legacy he has created. His ink not only conveys his appreciation for those closest to him but also how far he has come in life and on the pitch.

 

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