What do Messi’s tattoos mean? Let’s go through each one

Messi is arguably the greatest current soccer player. He is recognized not only by his signature goals, but also by his tattoos. And there are more than it may seem at first glance.

Until 2010, the Argentine did not have a single drawing on his body. It is known that about tattoos Messi consulted with Dani Alves – asking how much it hurts to do them. Ten years ago, the striker decided to nail the first and since then regularly puts something new on the body. And absolutely all tattoos Messi did one master – Roberto Lopez.

Messi and Lopez are friends. The footballer even tattooed Lopez with the number 10 (Messi’s game number) and invited the master to his wedding.

And Lopez hung a notice in his salon: “If you don’t want to be hurt when getting a tattoo, then don’t talk bad about Messi.”

But let’s move on to Messi’s tattoo guide:

A portrait of his mother

This was the Argentine’s first tattoo. In 2010, he inked a portrait of his mom, whose name is Celia, on his back. The striker has said many times that she played a crucial role in his career. By the way, the “Championship” published a great article about Messi’s parents.

Son’s hands

On the calf muscle of his left leg are the hands of Thiago – the first son, who was born in 2012. Just below them is a heart with Thiago’s name printed on it.

Incidentally, he recently scored his debut goal for Barcelona’s children’s team.

Dagger, rose, wings

All on the same left leg before, you could see a dagger, a rose and wings. They were on the shin (on the other side of Thiago’s arms). These three images are often seen on tattoos, and Messi was trolled on social media for these drawings.

The ball and the number

In 2016, Lionel painted this part of his leg black (it became similar to a gaiter). The striker explained this by his unwillingness to show his son symbols of violence. As a result, only the classic soccer ball and the number 10 remained. Under this number Messi plays for Barcelona and the national team since the season-2008/2009.

Dates of birth

Four dates can be seen on his left leg over his son’s hand:
24-06-87 – Messi’s birthday
26-02-88 – Antonella’s birthday (Messi’s wife)
02-11-12 – Thiago’s birthday (first son)
11-09-15 – birthday of Mateo (second son)

On Messi’s right foot are indicated the same dates, but already with names. Also with the date of birth of his third son, Ciro.

Jesus

Messi rarely talks about religion. If it does happen, he makes it clear that he believes in God. The image of Jesus on his forearm is the largest tattoo on the soccer player’s body.

A stained glass window of a temple

On Messi’s right arm there is another picture related to religion. It shows a stained glass window of the Sagrada Familia cathedral, the symbol of Barcelona, on his elbow.

Lotus

On the side of the stained glass window is a lotus. This flower is known for appearing even in swampy muddy water. In the spiritual world, it symbolizes rebirth and purity.

Map

Here is a map of the city of Rosario, showing a grid of intersecting avenues and boulevards. On top of the map is a rosary. Catholic rosary beads are called Razaria. From this word, by the way, and went the name of Messi’s hometown.

Clocks and gears

An old clock and gears are depicted at the wrist of the right hand. In this composition, the clock symbolizes the need to live in the present. The gears are a reminder that time cannot be turned back.

Crown

On both of Messi’s legs is the date of birth of his wife, but there are four other tattoos that are addressed to his wife. First of all, it’s about the crown (funnily enough, it’s the symbol of Real Madrid). A similar tattoo is also present on Antonella’s arm.

Roman numerals

Another paired tattoo is on the fingers. Roman numerals XXX-VI-XVII mean the date of the wedding – 30.06.17. These symbols Messi and Antonella nabbed immediately after the wedding.

Eye

Antonella’s large eye can be found on the forearm of Messi’s right hand. Messi has known her since she was five years old, which is why there are so many references to his wife on the soccer player’s body.

Lips

In 2017, Messi mentioned a new tattoo. Soon photos appeared that showed something red near his thigh. And after Messi scored three goals against Espanyol, he bare his torso so much that the tattoo became visible completely. It turned out to be his wife’s lips.

The “Championship” also published an article that collected the most unusual tattoos of athletes: