Lionel Messi has captivated the interest of the American soccer community, drawing even more attention to MLS and causing excitement in Fort Lauderdale, where Inter Miami is based. This buzz is not only limited to regular fans, but also includes a long list of celebrities such as DJ Khaled, LeBron James, Kim Kardashian, and Diddy. While Messi’s skills on the field can be described as an art form, the football genius also showcases his artistic expression through the tattoos adorning his body. In this article, Mail Sport will satisfy your curiosity by revealing the tattoos Messi has and the significance behind them.
Lionel Messi, the extraordinary soccer player, has continued to amaze and make a significant impact in the MLS and the American soccer scene. Everyone expected nothing less from him.
Let’s begin by discussing what is commonly known as Messi’s very first tattoo. In this photo from 2011, we can see Messi proudly displaying a beautiful portrait of his mother, Celia Maria Cuccittini, etched onto his left shoulder blade.
In 2019, Messi was captured in a photograph during his time at the Copa America in Brazil. The picture showcased him engaging in training sessions before the quarterfinals. Building on the topic of family, Messi decided to get a tattoo to commemorate his oldest son, Thiago. The tattoo portrayed the outline of Thiago’s hands along with a heart shape embellished with his name inside. Thiago, who was born on November 2, 2012, brought immense joy to his father, prompting Messi to express his happiness in a heartfelt Facebook post. He thanked God for this precious gift and extended his gratitude to his supportive family. Additionally, he sent a virtual hug to all his well-wishers. As of now, Thiago is 10 years old and has already exhibited his soccer prowess by successfully executing a nutmeg on his famous father during his introduction at Inter Miami. Another interesting fact worth mentioning is Antonela’s eye, although further details were not provided.
Messi proudly displays his admiration for his beloved wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, through a tattoo adorning his right bicep. This elegant ink work effortlessly captures the essence of their long-standing relationship. As the saying goes, love at first sight, Messi and Roccuzzo’s journey began in their childhood days. Destined to be together, fate brought them back into each other’s arms after Messi’s move to Barcelona to fulfill his football dreams. Through his remarkable talent on the field, Messi has conquered many balls, but the one he cherishes the most is the heart of his beloved Antonela.
The Argentine superstar even made sure to save some room on his incredibly nimble left foot for his eternal passion: the prestigious game of soccer.
Messi proudly displays his love and dedication to his family through his tattoos. On his left leg, his preferred and mercurial foot, he showcases a soccer ball alongside four special dates. These dates represent the birthdays of his beloved wife, Antonela, and his three children, Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro. It’s no surprise that Messi would also choose to immortalize these important dates on his right leg and ankle. His tattoos serve as a constant reminder of the love and happiness they bring to his life.
Located on the opposite side of Messi’s left shin and calf is the emblematic No. 10, a number now inseparable from his name. However, it is interesting to note that this was not Messi’s original number when he initially joined Barcelona.
Back in 2004, Messi started off wearing the No. 30 jersey before later switching to the No. 19. It wasn’t until the 2008/09 season that he ultimately claimed the jersey that would become iconic for him in the Catalan club.
Messi used to sport a distinctive tattoo on his left shin and calf, but he later decided to cover it up. The original design had a hint of blue and featured a cross element. However, Messi eventually chose to darken it, leaving only the number 10 visible from the original artwork.
Messi’s right arm showcases an array of tattoos, but there is one particular design that catches the eye, residing on his shoulder. This striking artwork portrays Jesus Christ adorned with a crown made of thorns—an emblem of immense significance and holiness for Christians.
Being a devout Catholic, Messi has expressed his gratitude to God on numerous occasions, especially after Argentina’s victorious World Cup match against France. In an interview with TYC Sports, he mentioned his unwavering belief that God would grant him success. He confidently stated, “I had a deep conviction that this moment was destined to be mine.”
Upon closer observation of Messi’s arm, it becomes evident that he proudly dons multiple clocks, potentially alluding to the significant role that time plays in his life.
Taking a different perspective, an alternative view captures the attention of one of the watches depicted on Messi’s arm back in 2015.
ROYALTY CLAIMS
In addition to the striking portrayal of Christ, other captivating elements grace Messi’s sleeve, such as three intricate flowers and numerous timepieces adorning his skin. These clocks might symbolize the significance of each passing moment.
Of course, Messi has kept silent about whether these interpretations hold any truth or remain mere speculations.
Although the exact symbolic significance remains a mystery, Antonela, the wife of Messi, also has a comparable tattoo on her arm.
Antonela, photographed with her son Mateo at a La Liga match against Real Betis back in 2016, also sports a striking tattoo on her arm that matches one of Messi’s. This particular tattoo, a crown, is located at the base of Messi’s right bicep and becomes particularly noticeable when he raises his arms in celebration after scoring goals. Speculations have arisen that this tattoo might be a loving tribute to Antonela, considering she has a matching tattoo in the exact same spot on her own arm.
According to various sources, there is another special symbol of admiration that Messi has dedicated to his beloved wife, Antonela. Apparently, he has chosen to pay homage to her by tattooing her lips on his ROSARY BEADS. Although not explicitly visible in the photo, if one looks closely at his lower abs on the left side, a pair of lips can be perceived. It almost appears as if someone has planted a passionate, red lipstick kiss on that particular spot. Whether this actually happened or not remains a mystery, but multiple reports strongly suggest that this lips tattoo serves as yet another expression of love and admiration towards his stunning spouse.
In a detailed shot captured during a Barcelona practice session in 2020, an intriguing feature that caught attention was Messi’s collection of tattoos, particularly one that depicted a rosary on his right forearm. This particular tattoo has sparked speculation and conjecture among his fans and observers. One popular theory is that it serves as a poignant reminder and homage to Messi’s beloved hometown of Rosario, Argentina. However, another plausible interpretation could be that the rosary symbolizes Messi’s deep-rooted religious faith, as it holds significant importance as a fundamental tool for devout Catholics in their spiritual practices.