Lionel Messi, the name synonymous with footballing genius, is as famous for his mesmerizing skills on the pitch as he is becoming for the intriguing artwork adorning his body. Beyond the trophies and accolades, Messi’s tattoos offer a fascinating glimpse into his personal life, values, and the people and passions that drive him. This article delves into the world of Messi’s tattoos, exploring the meaning behind each piece of ink that tells a unique story on his skin.
Messi’s journey into the world of tattoos began relatively subtly, but over the years, his collection has grown into a diverse and meaningful tapestry. Each tattoo is meticulously chosen and placed, reflecting significant moments, relationships, and beliefs that are central to the Argentinian superstar’s life. Let’s explore the rich symbolism and personal narratives etched onto Lionel Messi’s skin.
- The Cherished Mother Portrait Tattoo
Messi’s first foray into tattooing was a deeply personal tribute: a portrait of his mother, Celia María Cuccittini, inked on his left shoulder blade. This touching tattoo speaks volumes about the profound bond between Messi and his mother. Celia has been a constant source of support and inspiration throughout Messi’s life, from his childhood dreams to his global superstardom. He has often credited her unwavering belief in him as a crucial factor in his success. For Messi, his mother is more than family; she’s a symbol of luck and unwavering support.
Celia, alongside Messi’s brother Matias, also plays a vital role in managing his charitable organization, the Leo Messi Foundation. Established in 2007, the foundation focuses on assisting at-risk children, further highlighting the family’s commitment to giving back. This portrait tattoo serves as a permanent reminder of his roots and the unwavering love that has grounded him.
Messi
- Honoring Fatherhood: The Handprint Tattoo
In 2012, Messi embraced fatherhood with the birth of his first son, Thiago. Marking this momentous occasion, he got Thiago’s handprint tattooed on his left calf muscle. This tattoo is a powerful symbol of fatherhood and the immense love he has for his children. The story surrounding Thiago’s birth further emphasizes Messi’s dedication to his family. He reportedly even missed training sessions to be present with his partner, Antonella Roccuzzo, during Thiago’s arrival. His heartfelt announcement on Facebook, expressing his immense joy and gratitude, resonated with fans worldwide, showcasing the importance of family in his life.
Messi Handprint Tattoo
- Thiago’s Name: Solidifying the Heartfelt Tribute
Initially, the handprint tattoo was designed within a heart shape, purely to express paternal love. However, rumors circulated suggesting the handprint resembled the infamous “Hand of God” goal by Maradona. To dispel any such interpretations and further personalize the tribute, Messi later added his son Thiago’s name within the heart-shaped handprint. This addition clarified the tattoo’s meaning, unequivocally dedicating it to his son and solidifying it as a symbol of his growing family.
Thiago Tattoo
- Football Passion: The Iconic Ball Tattoo
Messi’s left leg is legendary, the source of countless goals and unforgettable moments in football history. To honor his lifelong passion and the instrument of his unparalleled skill, Messi has a football tattooed on the top of his left calf. This tattoo is a direct and powerful symbol of his love for the sport that has defined his life. It’s a testament to his dedication and the joy he finds in playing football.
Interestingly, the area around this football tattoo and his son’s handprint has undergone transformations. Previous tattoos, including a dagger with wings and a red rose, were covered up with black ink. This re-design focused on highlighting the handprint, the number 10 (discussed later), and the football, creating a cohesive and meaningful lower leg sleeve dedicated to his core passions and family.
Messi Football Tattoo
- Number 10: A Jersey of Legacy Tattoo
The number 10 is iconic in football, and for Lionel Messi, it’s more than just a number; it’s his identity on the field. Donning the number 10 jersey for both FC Barcelona and the Argentina national team, Messi has etched this number into football folklore. To permanently commemorate this significant aspect of his career, he has the number 10 tattooed on his left leg, alongside his other leg tattoos. This tattoo is a simple yet potent symbol of his professional identity and the legacy he has built wearing that iconic number.
Messi 10 Tattoo
- Barcelona Homage: The Rose Window Tattoo
Moving to his right elbow, Messi showcases a more intricate and culturally significant tattoo: a rose window inspired by the famed Sagrada Familia church in Barcelona. This tattoo is not just aesthetically beautiful but also deeply symbolic of his connection to the city that became his second home. Accompanying the rose window are a budding red rose, a pink lotus flower, and orange blossoms, adding layers of meaning and beauty to the design. His goal celebrations, often pointing to the sky, might subtly incorporate this arm tattoo, showing his pride for Barcelona.
The Sagrada Familia, Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece, represents Barcelona’s unique architecture and spirit. Messi’s tattoo artist explained that this choice reflects Messi’s deep affection for Barcelona, the city where his dreams took flight and where he truly belongs. The elbow’s center cleverly becomes the central point of the church window in the tattoo design, demonstrating thoughtful placement and artistic execution.
Rose Window Tattoo
- Royal Love: The Crown Tattoo
A testament to his enduring romance with his wife, Antonella Roccuzzo, Messi sports a crown tattoo on the inside of his right arm. Antonella has a matching “queen” crown tattoo, creating a beautiful “king and queen” couple tattoo set. These matching tattoos symbolize their deep and powerful bond, signifying that in their relationship, they are each other’s royalty. This intimate and romantic tattoo highlights the strength of their partnership and the importance of Antonella in Messi’s life.
Messi Crown Tattoo
- Faith and Belief: The Jesus Tattoo
Messi’s faith is another cornerstone of his life, and this is evident in his tattoo of Jesus Christ on his right arm. This tattoo, depicting Jesus wearing a crown of thorns, is a clear expression of Messi’s devout Catholicism and his deep-rooted Christian faith. Revealed prominently after Barcelona’s Champions League victory in 2015, this tattoo is more than just religious iconography; it’s a personal declaration of his beliefs and the spiritual foundation upon which he lives his life.
Messi Jesus tattoo
- Hometown Roots: The Rosario Rosary Tattoo
Further down his right forearm, Messi has a rosary bead tattoo that cleverly outlines the map of his hometown, Rosario, Argentina. This tattoo is a poignant tribute to his roots and the place where his journey began. His tattoo artist, Roberto Lopez, explained that the initial concept was to create a rosary that visually narrates Messi’s life story through different images incorporated within the beads.
Beyond just the outline of Rosario, the rosary tattoo also includes other symbolic elements, such as maps of South America and Europe, a clock and gears representing time, a lotus flower symbolizing rebirth and new beginnings, and a cocoon representing his son. This intricate tattoo is a rich tapestry of personal symbols and geographical connections that tell a deeper story of Messi’s life and journey.
Rosary Tattoo
- Rebirth and Growth: The Lotus Flower Tattoo
Within the rosary tattoo design on his right arm, the lotus flower stands out as a significant symbol. The lotus flower is widely recognized as a symbol of rebirth, new beginnings, purity, and enlightenment. For Messi, the lotus flower tattoo likely represents his personal journey of growth, overcoming challenges, and consistently striving for new heights. His life story, marked by dedication and perseverance, resonates with the lotus flower’s symbolism of blooming beautifully even from muddy waters, inspiring fans to pursue their dreams relentlessly.
- Family Milestones: The Birthday Tattoo
In 2018, Messi added another deeply personal layer to his tattoo collection by getting the birthdays of his loved ones inked on his right leg, above his ankle. This tattoo lists the birthdays of his wife, Antonella, and their three sons: Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro. This intimate tattoo serves as a constant reminder of his family’s importance and the special dates that mark the lives of those closest to him. It’s a testament to his family-centric values and the joy they bring to his life.
Messi Family Birthday Tattoo
- Love at First Sight: Antonella’s Eye Tattoo
Another romantic tribute to his wife, Antonella, is the “Eye of Antonella” tattoo on the inside of his right bicep. This tattoo, depicting Antonella’s eye, is a powerful symbol of his deep love and perhaps alludes to their “love at first sight” connection. Messi and Antonella’s relationship is a long and cherished one, culminating in their marriage on June 30, 2017. This tattoo is a permanent and intimate expression of his affection and admiration for his life partner.
Eye Tattoo
- Time and Legacy: Clocks & Gears Tattoo
On his forearm, Messi has a classic pocket watch surrounded by clockwork gears. This tattoo is often interpreted as a representation of time and its relentless passage. Despite his monumental achievements and celebrated career, the clock and gears tattoo serve as a reminder of the preciousness of time and the importance of making the most of every moment. It could also symbolize the intricate workings of time and destiny, perhaps reflecting on his journey and accomplishments within the grand scheme of time.
Clocks & Gears tattoo
- Intimate Affection: The Lip Tattoo
Adding a touch of playful intimacy to his tattoo collection, Messi has a lip tattoo, reportedly of his wife Antonella, located below his waistline. This hidden tattoo is a more personal and playful expression of his love for Antonella. Their relationship, dating back to 2008 and solidified by marriage in 2017, is a central part of Messi’s life, and this tattoo adds another layer of romantic devotion to his inked tributes.
- Mateo’s Tribute: Son’s Name Tattoo
Following the birth of his second son, Mateo, in 2015, Messi added another family tribute to his right arm. The name “Mateo” is tattooed vertically, positioned to the left of his Jesus portrait tattoo. Similar to his other family-related tattoos, the “Mateo” tattoo reinforces the central theme of family that runs through Messi’s ink. The majority of Messi’s tattoos are dedicated to his family, consistently expressing his deep love, care, and connection to each and every family member.
Mateo tattoo
Lionel Messi’s tattoos are more than just body art; they are a visual autobiography etched onto his skin. Each design tells a story, revealing the values, relationships, and passions that define one of football’s greatest legends. From heartfelt family tributes to symbols of faith, hometown pride, and romantic love, Messi’s ink offers fans a unique and intimate glimpse into the world of the man behind the magic on the field.
