What tattoos does Messi have? Exploring all of Messi’s tattoos

In the opinion of many football experts and fans, Lionel Messi is among the all-time greats, right up there with Pelé, Maradona, Cruyff, and Di Stefano. His tattoos have become very popular, making him a recognizable global superstar just by his tattoos. He joined the ranks of famous people who have inked their bodies, starting with a depiction of his mother, Celia, on his left shoulder blade in 2011. What tattoos does Messi have?

Both sports fans and tattoo enthusiasts have taken issue with Lio's body art. Most of Messi's designs have profound personal importance for him. Let us learn why Messi got the tattoos on him and the meaning of each.

What tattoos does Lionel Messi have?

The gamer now has impressive shapes and designs on his arms, legs, and back. He attaches deep personal significance to each tattoo. Take a look at the meaning behind Lionel Messi's tattoos down below.

1. Number 10 and four dates

It is no wonder the Argentine's first love found a home on Messi's flitting left foot. He has a soccer ball on his left leg and the birthdates of his four children—Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro—next to it. Antonela's date of birth is also there. He further chose to get them tattooed on the inside of his right ankle and lower leg.

The No. 10 is on the other side, continuing with Messi's deadly left foot. Still, he had already performed this piece in Barcelona. In 2004, he started donning the No. 30 jersey before switching to the No. 19 jersey. Finally, donning the uniform he became famous for during his time with the Catalan club came in the 2008–09 season.

2. Football

At an early age, Messi developed a love for football after playing with his brothers and cousins. Only by staying dedicated to his goals has he achieved to achieve all of this. He had a football tattooed on his calf to commemorate his only passion.

3. Thiago

On November 2, 2012, the day he became a father for the first time, the Argentine had the handprints of his newborn son Thiago pictured on his leg. Messi continued the family theme with a tattoo of of his oldest son Thiago's hands, which was later covered with a love heart that included his name. His father wrote in a Facebook post on Thiago's birth on November 2, 2012:

4. Rosary

The shape of a rosary was designed onto his body to symbolize his birthplace, Rosario. According to Roberto Lopez, Leo's artist, the original concept was to make a rosary depicting the events of his life. The rosary is an essential tool for devout Catholics; therefore, it could be a clue to Messi's religious beliefs.

5. Kissing lips

Though it is hard to tell in this shot, Messi's lower left abdominal area seems like someone kissed him there with red lipstick.

6. ‘Lotus’ Tattoo

Messi hails from Rosaria, a small city in Argentina, as is well known. He is the living embodiment of the American dream—from humble beginnings to extravagant wealth—as the Lotus tattoo on his bicep attests. Leo's life is an inspiration, as he rose from poor beginnings as a youngster in the Argentinean city of Rosario to become a six-time Ballon d'Or winner and one of the greatest players ever. He keeps this in mind whenever he gets a lotus flower.

7. Antonella's eye

Leo's wife Antonella had her eye tattooed onto her husband's bicep. Antonella became his girlfriend in 2008; she's known him since he was five. Antontela Roccuzzo, Messi's childhood sweetheart turned wife, is undeniably his crowning glory.

8. King Crown

Messi got the "King Crown" tattoo for his wife, Antonella Roccuzzo, who already has one on her right arm. A tattoo of the royal couple's crowns adorns each of their bodies.

10. Dagger with Wings

Leo's prior tattoo was a dagger with wings encircled by a rose pattern. Due to this, he decided to cover up the ones on his left leg.

11. Giant Clock

Messi sports a massive clock and numerous gears adorning his right forearm. Time is the most valuable asset anyone can have, and this proves it. Many people who get clock cogs do so to symbolize their desire to live in the present moment rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.

The image is precious and powerful for Christians because it depicts Jesus Christ wearing the crown of thorns. After Argentina's World Cup victory over France, Leo exposed his devoutness to Catholicism and thanked God multiple times.

Frequently asked questions

While the image of a heavily tattooed superstar may not immediately come to mind when one thinks of footballers, the little magician Lionel has an impressive body art collection. His tattoos are the subject of the following information.

1. Why did Messi get tattoos?

Before Leo crossed the Atlantic, he met his childhood girlfriend, Antonella Roccuzzo, as a Newell's Old Boys student. He got the artwork tattooed onto him as a symbol of their relationship. More on that in a little, but the eye is the sole physical manifestation of his devotion to his wife.

2. How many tattoos does Messi have?

Most sources state that Leo has eighteen tattoos. He used to have a sword on his leg adorned with floral patterns and wings, but for some reason, they are all covered up now, so we have no idea how many he has. Additionally, some might be in places not meant to be photographed.

The biggest World Cup snubs: A list of footballers left out of their countries’ World Cup squad

Football

3. Does Lionel Messi have tattoos?

Even though the diminutive magician's collection is not what immediately comes to mind when one thinks of tatted celebrities, Lionel Messi is no exception. The symbolism of Leo's ink designs varies, ranging from calf sleeves to Antonela Roccuzzo's eye.

4. What tattoo does Messi have on his back?

As a symbol of his undying devotion to his mom, he got a tattoo of her likeness on his back. His brother Matias and mother Celia administer his philanthropic foundation, the Leo Messi Foundation, which he set up in 2007 to help disadvantaged children.

5. Who tattooed Messi?

The man who inks Messi's signature is Roberto Lopez. According to Roberto Lopez, Messi's ink artist, the original concept, according to Roberto Lopez, Messi's artist, was to make a rosary depicting the events of his life.

6. When did Lionel Messi get his first tattoo?

In 2011, Leo was inked for the first time. Pictured on Messi's left shoulder blade in 2011 is an image of his mother, Celia Maria Cuccittini.

Final word

What tattoos does Messi have? Most of Messi's tattoos have deep personal value; for example, the name Thiago is tattooed on the back of his left leg. The soccer ball exemplifies his return with a flourish and the addition of a sword, his number, and other stuff to fill up the leg area.

Sports Brief published an article on one of South Africa's professional rugby players, Jean Kleyn. The current Springbok player has played for Ireland due to his residency.

In 2023, he debuted for South Africa after switching national teams. Please take a deep dive into his personal and professional life by clicking on the link above.