Tattoos have become a style for modern footballers, much as curly hair and mustaches were for players in the 1980s.
Some of the world’s top footballers have let their bodies become canvases for tattoo artists, including Lionel Messi, the 2022 World Cup winner.
While his long-time rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, has no tattoos – allegedly because he regularly donates blood – the Inter Miami and Argentina star has several tattoos and they cover his entire body.
Tattoo on Messi’s leg
Messi’s most impressive tattoos are on his legs.
The star’s left leg, his dominant leg, has an interesting appearance, as its bottom part is mostly blue-black ink.
This is because he covered up his previous tattoos – specifically a sword, angel wings and a red rose.
The only tattoos on Messi’s left leg are an image of his son Thiago’s hand and his first child’s name on his calf, as well as the number 10 – which he wears for both club and country – and a ball on the shin.
In 2018, Messi started writing the names and dates of birth of all three children – Thiago, Mateo and Ciro – on his right leg near the ankle.
Tattoo on Messi’s hand
Messi also has a number of tattoos on his right arm and has continuously added them throughout the years.
On the upper part near the shoulders, there is an image of Jesus Christ wearing a crown of thorns, perhaps inspired by his religious beliefs.
Inside the muscular wing, there is an eye – possibly based on the eye of his wife, Antonella Roccuzzo, although it is unclear – and a small crown.
A rose window, possibly based on the famous church of Santa Maria del Pi in Barcelona, can be found above the elbow, while a germinating rose petal, a pink lotus and orange blossoms also decorate arm.
A classic wristwatch, surrounded by mechanical gears, occupies space on Messi’s arm, showing his understanding of the constant progression of time.
Tattoo on Messi’s back
One of the first tattoos Messi got was the face of his mother, Celia, placed on his left back.
This striker has a very close relationship with his mother.
Messi also has a tattoo dedicated to another woman in his life – his wife Antonella.
This piece of art, placed on the left hip and could easily be overlooked, is Roccuzzo’s lips and the color red.
