Lionel Messi’s Tattoos and the Meaning Behind His Inks

Tattoos are highly common among modern soccer stars, serving as a form of personal expression on the field. While some athletes use body art purely for aesthetics, others use it to document their lives.

Lionel Messi belongs to the latter group. Over his career, the World Cup winner has collected numerous tattoos across his body, each carrying deep personal significance. His collection focuses primarily on his family, his religious faith, and his career milestones.

Messi’s Family Tattoos

Family has always been a central part of Messi's life, and his earliest tattoo reflects this as well. On his left shoulder blade, he has a portrait of his mother, Celia. This was his very first tattoo, which he got done in 2011 to honor her role in his life.

On the back of his left calf, he has the handprints and the name of his oldest son, Thiago. To show his commitment to all three of his sons, Messi also has the names and birthdates of Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro etched above his right ankle.

As for his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, Messi has a tattoo of her eye on his right bicep and a small depiction of her lips on his left hip. Additionally, the couple shares a matching tattoo design, Messi has a King’s crown on his arm, while Antonela has a similar Queen’s crown on hers. 

Tattoos' representing Messi’s Faith and Culture

Messi’s right arm features a detailed sleeve tattoo that reflects both his religious beliefs and his connection to significant places in his life. Near his shoulder is an image of Jesus Christ wearing a crown of thorns, a tribute to his Catholic faith.