Messi has 18 tattoos covering his arms, legs, and back, each telling a personal story about family, faith, football, and his journey from Argentina to global stardom.
The football GOAT’s body is a canvas of memories, love, and legacy. Every piece of ink on Lionel Messi’s skin tells a story deeper than any goal he’s ever scored. Let’s explore each of the 18 Lionel Messi tattoos and discover the man behind the magic.
Table of Contents
Family & Love Tattoos: The Heart of Messi’s Collection
1. Mother’s Portrait (First Ever Tattoo)
Location: Left shoulder blade
Meaning: A tribute to Celia Messi, his biggest supporter and foundation runner
Story: This was Messi’s very first tattoo, showing where his heart has always been—with family. His mother runs the Leo Messi Foundation, helping underprivileged children worldwide.
2. Thiago’s Handprints
Location: Left leg
Meaning: Actual handprints of his firstborn son
Story: Added on November 2, 2012, the day Thiago was born. Initially mistaken for Maradona’s “Hand of God,” Messi clarified by adding his son’s name inside the prints.
3. “Thiago” Name Tattoo
Location: Within the handprints on left leg
Meaning: His eldest son’s name
Story: Added to clarify that the handprints belonged to his son, not a football reference, showing his priorities as a father first.
4. Antonella’s Eye
Location: Right bicep
Meaning: Portrait of his wife’s eye
Story: A romantic tribute to Antonella Roccuzzo, his childhood friend turned soulmate, whom he’s known since age five.
5. Kissing Lips
Location: Arm
Meaning: Antonella’s lips
Story: Another romantic gesture honoring his wife, added after years of dating before their 2017 wedding.
6. Family Birthdates
Location: Left leg (within Thiago’s handprints)
Meaning: Birth dates of Antonella and all three sons
Story: November 2, 2012 (Thiago), September 11, 2015 (Mateo), March 10, 2018 (Ciro), and February 26, 1988 (Antonella).
7. “Mateo” Name Tattoo
Location: Arm
Meaning: His second son’s name
Story: Added on September 11, 2015, when Mateo was born, continuing the family tribute tradition.
Religious & Spiritual Tattoos: Messi’s Faith Journey
8. Jesus with Crown of Thorns
Location: Right arm
Meaning: Christian faith and sacrifice
Story: This powerful religious symbol reflects Messi’s deep Catholic faith and serves as a reminder of sacrifice leading to glory—both spiritually and in football.
9. Lotus Flower
Location: Right bicep
Meaning: Rebirth, purity, and spiritual growth
Story: The lotus represents Messi’s journey from humble beginnings in Rosario to becoming football royalty. In many cultures, the lotus symbolizes rising above challenges.
10. Rosary
Location: Body
Meaning: Faith and connection to hometown Rosario
Story: A clever double meaning—honoring both his Catholic faith and his birthplace Rosario, Argentina. Designed by tattoo artist Roberto Lopez to tell his life story.
Career & Passion Tattoos: Football Legacy in Ink
11. Football
Location: Left calf
Meaning: Love for the beautiful game
Story: Simple yet profound—this tattoo represents his lifelong passion that began playing with cousins and brothers in the streets of Rosario.
12. Number “10”
Location: Left leg
Meaning: Iconic jersey number
Story: The number that made him famous at both FC Barcelona and the Argentina national team, representing his football legacy.
13. Rose Window
Location: Sleeve
Meaning: Connection to Barcelona
Story: Inspired by the Sagrada Familia basilica in Barcelona, honoring the city where he spent most of his career and became a football legend.
Philosophical & Artistic Tattoos: Life Lessons in Ink
14. Giant Clock
Location: Right forearm
Meaning: Value of time
Story: A reminder that time is our most precious resource—fitting for someone who’s made every moment on the pitch count.
15. Timepiece Cogs
Location: Right forearm
Meaning: Focus on the present moment
Story: These intricate gears symbolize the importance of living in the now rather than dwelling on past glories or future worries.
16. King Crown (Matching with Antonella)
Location: Body
Meaning: Royal love and partnership
Story: Matching tattoos with wife Antonella—he has the king’s crown, she has the queen’s, symbolizing their royal bond and equal partnership.
Identity & Heritage Tattoos
17. Map of South America and Europe
Location: Right arm
Meaning: Dual heritage and global identity
Story: Represents his roots in Argentina and his European career success, showing how he bridges two continents through football.
Covered & Modified Tattoos
18. Dagger with Wings (Now Covered)
Location: Left leg (covered with black ink)
Meaning: Originally unknown, now covered
Story: One of his earlier tattoos that he later chose to cover with black ink, showing how his tattoo preferences evolved over time.
Complete Lionel Messi Tattoo Reference Table
| Tattoo | Location | Category | Year | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mother’s Portrait | Left shoulder blade | Family | First | Tribute to Celia Messi |
| Thiago’s Handprints | Left leg | Family | 2012 | Son’s actual handprints |
| “Thiago” Name | Left leg | Family | 2012 | Firstborn son |
| Football | Left calf | Career | Early | Love for the game |
| Jesus with Crown | Right arm | Religious | Mid-career | Christian faith |
| Lotus Flower | Right bicep | Spiritual | Mid-career | Rebirth/growth |
| Rose Window | Sleeve | Cultural | Mid-career | Barcelona connection |
| King Crown | Body | Love | 2010s | Matching with Antonella |
| Antonella’s Eye | Right bicep | Family | 2014 | Wife tribute |
| Giant Clock | Right forearm | Philosophy | 2010s | Value of time |
| Timepiece Cogs | Right forearm | Philosophy | 2010s | Present moment focus |
| Rosary | Body | Religious | Mid-career | Faith & hometown |
| South America/Europe Map | Right arm | Identity | Later career | Dual heritage |
| Number “10” | Left leg | Career | Mid-career | Iconic jersey number |
| Dagger with Wings | Left leg | Personal | Early | Covered later |
| Family Birthdates | Left leg | Family | 2018 | All family members |
| Kissing Lips | Arm | Love | 2017 | Antonella’s lips |
| “Mateo” Name | Arm | Family | 2015 | Second son |
The Psychology Behind Lionel Messi Tattoo Choices
What makes Messi’s tattoo collection unique isn’t just the artistry—it’s the deeply personal nature of each piece. Unlike many athletes who choose intimidating or aggressive designs, Messi’s tattoos tell a story of love, family, and gratitude.
Why Messi Started Getting Tattoos
Initially terrified of needles, Messi was inspired by teammate Dani Alves’ extensive body art. The turning point came when his wife Antonella got a tattoo first to ease his fears—a gesture that perfectly captures their supportive relationship.
The Evolution of His Style
Messi’s tattoo journey mirrors his personal growth:
- Early tattoos: Simple, family-focused designs
- Mid-career: Religious and spiritual elements
- Recent additions: Philosophical and artistic pieces
What Lionel Messi Tattoos Reveal About Modern Football Culture
Messi’s approach to tattoos has influenced a generation of footballers. His emphasis on family values and personal meaning over intimidation has shifted how athletes express themselves through body art.
The collection serves as a visual autobiography—from the scared young boy who left Argentina at 13 to the confident global icon who conquered the World Cup. Each tattoo marks a chapter in the greatest football story ever told.
The Hidden Message in Messi’s Ink
Look closely at Messi’s tattoos, and you’ll see a pattern: despite achieving everything possible in football, his priorities remain unchanged. Family first, faith as guidance, and remembering his roots no matter how high he rises.
It’s perhaps the most powerful message of all—that true greatness isn’t measured by trophies alone, but by staying true to what matters most.
Discover more about football culture and athlete lifestyles on TechnoSports’ sports culture section.
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