Lionel Messi, the name synonymous with footballing brilliance, is as much a legend off the pitch as he is on it. Beyond his mesmerizing footwork and goal-scoring prowess, another form of art adorns his body: tattoos. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner sports a fascinating collection of ink across his back, arms, and legs, with family serving as the central theme woven through his body art.
Each tattoo Messi carries is deeply personal, imbued with meaning and rendered with meticulous detail. Let’s delve into the world of Lionel Messi’s tattoos and uncover the stories they tell. For many, tattoos are a powerful form of self-expression, and for Messi, this is clearly no different. Just as he paints masterpieces on the field, his tattoos offer another canvas into his life and values.
- A Mother’s Love: Celia’s Portrait Tattoo
Messi’s journey into the world of tattoos began with a tribute to the most important woman in his life: his mother, Celia. Located on his left shoulder blade, a portrait of Celia was his first foray into body art. From his earliest days, Celia has been Messi’s unwavering support and guiding force. He views her as his lucky charm, the constant source of encouragement that has fueled his dreams. This tattoo is a powerful symbol of his profound love and respect for his mother, a permanent reminder of her influence on his life.
Celia, alongside Messi’s brother Matias, plays a crucial role in his charitable endeavors, managing the “Leo Messi Foundation.” Established in 2007, the foundation is dedicated to supporting children at risk, reflecting the family’s commitment to giving back.
Messi
Alt text: Close-up of Lionel Messi’s mother portrait tattoo on his left shoulder blade, a tribute to Celia Messi.
- Celebrating Fatherhood: Thiago’s Handprint Tattoo
The year 2012 marked a monumental moment in Messi’s life: the arrival of his first son, Thiago. To commemorate this joyous occasion, Messi chose to immortalize Thiago’s tiny handprint on his left calf muscle. This handprint tattoo is a tender symbol of his embrace of fatherhood. He even prioritized being present for Thiago’s birth over training, highlighting the immense importance of family in his life. Announcing Thiago’s arrival on Facebook, Messi’s heartfelt message, “Today I am the happiest man in the world, my son was born and thanks to God for this gift! Thanks to my family for the support! A hug to everyone,” resonated with fans worldwide.
Messi Handprint Tattoo
Alt text: Lionel Messi’s handprint tattoo of his son Thiago on his left calf, a symbol of fatherly love and a celebration of Thiago’s birth.
- Thiago’s Name: Solidifying Family Ink
Initially, the handprint tattoo stood alone, a beautiful heart-shaped design representing his paternal affection. However, rumors circulated suggesting the hand resembled the infamous “Hand of God” goal by Maradona. To dispel any misinterpretations and further personalize the tribute, Messi later added Thiago’s name within the heart-shaped handprint. This addition solidified the tattoo’s meaning as a clear and unequivocal dedication to his son, Thiago.
Thiago Tattoo
Alt text: Close-up of Lionel Messi’s Thiago name tattoo incorporated within the handprint design on his calf, emphasizing his son’s importance.
- 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 trade, Messi has a football tattoo on the upper part of his left calf. Considered by many to be the greatest footballer of all time, this tattoo is a testament to his dedication to the sport that has defined his life.
Interestingly, the lower portion of his left leg is predominantly covered in black ink. This is a cover-up, concealing older tattoos of a dagger with wings and a red rose. In re-designing his left calf tattoo, Messi strategically retained Thiago’s handprint and his iconic jersey number, while using abstract black geometric shapes to mask the previous designs.
Messi Football Tattoo
Alt text: Lionel Messi’s football tattoo on his left calf, representing his passion for soccer and his legendary left foot.
- Number 10: A Jersey Legacy in Ink
The number 10 is more than just a digit for Lionel Messi; it’s his identity on the pitch. Synonymous with both “FC Barcelona” and the “Argentina National Football” team, the number 10 jersey is his trademark. Now, his left leg art composition features a handprint, the number 10, and the football, creating a powerful visual narrative of his key life elements.
Messi 10 Tattoo
Alt text: Image of Lionel Messi’s number 10 tattoo on his left leg, honoring his iconic jersey number for club and country.
- Barcelona Homage: Sagrada Familia Rose Window Tattoo
On Messi’s right elbow, a vibrant and intricate rose window tattoo captures the essence of Barcelona’s iconic Sagrada Familia Church. Adorned with a budding red rose, a pink lotus flower, and orange blossoms, this tattoo is a beautiful tribute to his adopted home city. His goal celebrations, often pointing to the sky, take on added meaning with this artwork. The placement is deliberate, with his elbow joint acting as the central point of the church window design, mirroring the architectural marvel.
The sun-shaped pattern is directly inspired by the Holy Family Cathedral’s windows. Messi’s tattoo artist explained the choice, stating, “Barcelona is where his dream began and also where he belongs, his second home he used such a tattoo to express his love for the city’s love.” This tattoo beautifully encapsulates Messi’s deep connection to Barcelona.
Rose Window Tattoo
Alt text: Detailed view of Lionel Messi’s Sagrada Familia rose window tattoo on his right elbow, a tribute to Barcelona, his adopted city.
- Royal Love: Crown Tattoos with Antonella
Sharing a bond that extends beyond football fame, Lionel Messi and his wife, Antonella Roccuzzo, have matching crown tattoos, symbolizing their deep and enduring love. Located on the inside of their right arms, these “King” and “Queen” crown tattoos represent their roles in each other’s lives. She is his queen, and he is her king, a testament to their powerful relationship.
Messi Crown Tattoo
Alt text: Matching crown tattoos on Lionel Messi and Antonella Roccuzzo’s arms, symbolizing their relationship as King and Queen.
- Faith and Belief: Jesus Tattoo
After Barcelona’s Champions League victory in May 2015, Messi revealed a significant tattoo on his right arm: the head of Jesus Christ wearing a crown of thorns. This powerful image reflects Messi’s devout Catholicism and his deep-rooted Christian faith. It is a public declaration of his spiritual beliefs and the importance of faith in his life.
Messi Jesus tattoo
Alt text: Lionel Messi’s Jesus Christ tattoo on his right arm, showcasing his religious faith and devotion to Catholicism.
- Hometown Roots: Rosario Rosary Tattoo
The rosary beads tattooed on Messi’s right forearm are more than just a religious symbol; they cleverly outline the map of his hometown, Rosario. This tattoo is a poignant tribute to his roots and his connection to Argentina. According to his tattoo artist, Roberto Lopez, the initial concept was to create a rosary that visually narrated Messi’s life story through various images. Plans also included tattoos of South America and Europe maps to further emphasize his journey.
Roberto Lopez elaborated on the other elements within this tattoo: “A clock and a part of the mechanism of Cronos, God of time. The flower of lotus, according to culture, means that no matter where you come from when you least expect it one day you will bloom. The cocoon of that flower represents the son.” These elements combine to create a rich tapestry of personal meaning.
Rosary Tattoo
Alt text: Lionel Messi’s rosary bead tattoo on his forearm, subtly outlining the map of Rosario, his hometown in Argentina.
- Rebirth and Growth: Lotus Flower Tattoo
The lotus flower tattoo, also on his right arm, carries profound symbolic weight. Representing rebirth, new beginnings, purity, and enlightenment, the lotus flower resonates deeply with Messi’s life story. His journey is one of overcoming challenges, pursuing dreams, and living life to the fullest, mirroring the lotus flower’s symbolism of blooming beautifully even from muddy waters.
- Family Milestones: Birthday Tattoos
In 2018, Messi further solidified his family focus with birthday tattoos on his right leg, just above his ankle. These numbers represent the birthdates of his wife, Antonella, and their three sons: Thiago (November 2, 2012), Mateo (September 11, 2015), Ciro (March 10, 2018), and Antonella (February 26, 1988). This intimate tattoo is a constant reminder of his loved ones and the importance of family milestones.
Messi Family Birthday Tattoo
Alt text: Lionel Messi’s birthday tattoos on his leg, commemorating the birthdates of his wife Antonella and their three sons.
- Love at First Sight: Antonella’s Eye Tattoo
Perhaps one of his most personal tattoos is the “Eye of Antonella,” located on the inside of his right biceps. This striking tattoo is a symbol of his deep love for his wife, representing their connection from “love at first sight.” The couple, who began dating in 2008 and married on June 30, 2017, share a love story that is beautifully etched onto Messi’s skin.
Eye Tattoo
Alt text: Close-up of Lionel Messi’s “Eye of Antonella” tattoo on his bicep, a symbol of his love for his wife.
- Time and Legacy: Clocks & Gears Tattoo
A classic pocket watch surrounded by clockwork gears dominates a section of Messi’s forearm. This tattoo symbolizes his awareness of time’s relentless passage. Despite his numerous achievements and legendary status, the clock serves as a reminder that time is the most precious commodity.
Clocks & Gears tattoo
Alt text: Lionel Messi’s clock and gears tattoo on his forearm, representing the passage of time and his legacy.
- Passionate Kiss: Lip Tattoo
Adding a touch of playful intimacy, Messi has a lip tattoo, rumored to be of his wife Antonella, located below his waistline. This tattoo is a more hidden and personal expression of his love and passion for Antonella. Their relationship, spanning nearly a decade before their marriage, is clearly deeply cherished and celebrated in various forms of body art.
- Second Son’s Tribute: Mateo Tattoo
Following the birth of his second son, Mateo, in 2015, Messi added another tattoo to his right arm. “Mateo” is tattooed vertically alongside the Jesus portrait. The majority of Messi’s tattoos are dedicated to his family, underscoring that family is the core of his life and the inspiration behind much of his ink.
Mateo tattoo
Alt text: Lionel Messi’s “Mateo” name tattoo on his right arm, dedicated to his second son and placed near his Jesus tattoo.
Lionel Messi’s tattoos are more than just skin deep; they are a visual autobiography, telling the story of his life, loves, and values. From family tributes to symbols of faith and passion, each piece of ink contributes to the rich tapestry of his personal narrative. For fans and tattoo enthusiasts alike, Messi’s body art provides a fascinating glimpse into the heart and mind of a global icon.
