Lionel Messi was born on 24 June 1987 in Rosario, Argentina. He is a professional football player, currently playing for Inter Miami in the Major League Soccer (MLS). Messi is one of the greatest ever football players to play the game. Lionel Messi’s 18 Tattoos Stories states the importance of all of them on his body.
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He is a product of FC Barcelona’s La Masia. Messi made his debut for FC Barcelona on November 16, 2003, against Porto in a friendly game.
He spent the majority of his career at FC Barcelona but was forced to leave the club in 2021 due to the club not being able to register him. Messi then joined Paris Saint-Germain and had a tough season there.
Lionel Messi’s 18 Tattoo Stories
Mother’s portrait
One of the most famous tatto which Messi has, is his Mother’s Portrait on his back. He made this to show his affection and fondness for his mother. Messi’s mother and his brother run the Leo Messi Foundation.
Thaigo and his Handprints
He also has a tattoo of his first son Thaigo‘s handprints on his one of the legs. It was said that the tattoo represented “Maradona’s Hand of God,” but later Messi denied it and said it was for his son Thaigo.
Football tattoo
When Messi was young, he played football with his cousins and brothers. This made him realise, he can pursued a career in football, this is the reason he made the football tattoo.
Jesus Tattoo
On his right arm, Messi has a tattoo of Jesus with a crown of thorns. Messi got this tattoo after FC Barcelona won the UEFA Champions League in 2015. This also states that Leo Messi has religious beliefs.
Lotus Tattoo
Messi has a tattoo of a Lotus on his bicep, which states his journey from a small town to becoming one of the richest players. It also portrays that when you genuinely work hard and give it your 100%, you can achieve every possible thing on the planet.
Rose Window
He has a rose window tattoo, which refers to his football star’s sleeve. Messi got the inspiration to make this tattoo from the Sagrada Familia basilica in Barcelona.
King’s Crown
Messi’s wife, Antonella, has a tattoo of a queen’s crown, just to match it with her Messi inked a king’s crown tattoo on his arm. It states she is the queen, and Messi is her king. Through this tattoo, it also states they want to be together forever and ever.
Antonela’s Eye
Leo also has his wife Antonella’s eye tattoo on his bicep. Through this tattoo, we can see the mutual administration and the trust they share. The eye tattoo symbolizes the protection and constant presence for each other.
Giant Clock
He has a giant clock tattoo on his body, which represents the importance of time. It means time is a very important asset a person can have.
Rosary Tattoo
We all know that Messi is from Rosario, Argentina, and he also has a tattoo that symbolizes his hometown. The tattoo is in the shape of a rosary.
Map of South America & Europe
Messi also has a map of South America and Europe on his right arm. The exact place and the story behind this are not known.
Number “10”
Messi wears the number 10 jersey for Argentina and also used to wear the number 10 for FC Barcelona. He made the tattoo on the same part of his left arm. To date and in the future, whenever we say the number 10 in football, Leo Messi crosses our mind.
Dagger with Wings
Messi had a dagger with wings tattoo, but he hid it because the other side of his tattoos, such as Thais’ handprints, football tattoo, and number 10, were not visible.
Family birthdates and Mateo
Leo has the birth dates tattooed on his three children and his wife, Antonella. In 2015, Messi tattooed his second son’s name, Mateo.
Kissing Lips
Messi also has a kissing lips tattoo referring to his wife’s lips. This tattoo expresses more about the love, devotion, and intimacy that the couple has in their relationship. Messi has this tattoo on his waistline, on the left side of his lower abs.
| Sr no | Tattoo Name | Location on Body |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mother’s Portrait | Back of left shoulder / Left shoulder blade |
| 2 | Handprints (Thiago’s) | Back of left leg / Left calf |
| 3 | His Son, Thiago (Name) | Left calf (with handprints); between thumbs |
| 4 | Football Tattoo | Left leg |
| 5 | Jesus Portrait | Right arm / Shoulder |
| 6 | Lotus Tattoo | Right arm / Bicep |
| 7 | Rose Window | Right arm / Elbow (sleeve) |
| 8 | King’s Crown | Right bicep |
| 9 | Antonela’s Eye | Right bicep |
| 10 | Giant Clock | Right forearm (sleeve) |
| 11 | Timepiece Cogs | Right forearm (sleeve) |
| 12 | Rosary | Right forearm (sleeve) |
| 13 | Map of South America & Europe | Right arm (sleeve) |
| 14 | Number ’10’ | Left leg / Shin |
| 15 | Dagger with Wings | Left leg (later covered) |
| 16 | Birthdates | Right leg (above ankle); Left leg (near ball) |
| 17 | Kissing Lips (Antonela’s) | Below waistline / Lower left abs |
| 18 | His Son, Mateo (Name) | Right arm (near Jesus tattoo); possibly left arm |
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