During his first few games for Inter Miami, Lionel Messi caught the interest of the American soccer public, if he didn’t already have it.
The Argentine sensation has drawn a lot of attention to MLS and caused quite a commotion in Fort Lauderdale.
It is not just with the general public, but also with a slew of celebrities such as DJ Khaled, LeBron James, Kim Kardashian, and Diddy.
While Messi’s on-field efforts may be classified as art, the genius himself has a slew of artwork all over his body.
Here, ABNTV tells you everything you’ve always wanted to know about Messi’s tattoos and what they symbolize.
HIS MOM
Messi is seen here in 2011 with an image of his mother, Celia Maria Cuccittini, on his left shoulder blade.
THIAGO
Keeping with the family motif, Messi got a tattoo of his eldest son, Thiago’s, hands, followed by a love heart with his name engraved on the inside.
Thiago was born on November 2, 2012, prompting his father to post on Facebook, ‘Today I am the happiest guy in the world, my son was born, and thanks to God for this gift!’ Thank you for your encouragement, family! Everyone gets a hug.’
Thiago is now ten years old and showed his soccer skills by nutmegging his renowned father on his Inter Miami debut.
ANTONELA’S EYE
Messi’s childhood sweetheart-turned-wife, Antontela Roccuzzo, is clearly the apple of his eye.
So it’s only fitting that the former Barcelona guy has a tattoo of her eye on his right arm.
Messi and Roccuzzo met while he was playing for Newell’s Old Boys and reunited after he traveled to Catalonia to join FC Barcelona in a story as well-told as the Grand Canyon.
THE NO. 10
On the other side of Messi’s devastating left is the No. 10. This was not, however, his first number in Barcelona.
He began wearing No. 30 in 2004 before switching to No. 19. He ultimately took the shirt that he made famous at the Catalan club in the 2008/09 season.
THE BALL HE’S MASTERED
The Argentine even reserved space on his dynamic left foot for his first love — a soccer ball
BIRTHDAYS AND NAMES
It’s not unexpected that Messi’s mercurial left foot has a place for the Argentine’s first love.
Messi has a soccer ball on his favored left thigh, and next to it are four dates of birth: his, Antonela’s, and his three children, Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro.
As if inking them on one leg wasn’t enough, Messi opted to ink them on the lower portion of his right leg and ankle as well.
On Messi’s right leg, there are also the dates of his children and wife inked, plus their names
JESUS CHRIST
Messi had this blue-tinged variant prior to the aforementioned tattoo, replete with what looks to be a cross.
Of course, Messi blacked it out, leaving only the No. 10 visible in the original artwork.
TIMEPIECES
While Messi’s right arm is covered in sleeve tattoos, the one that stands out the most is on his shoulder.
The artwork depicts Jesus Christ wearing a crown of thorns, which is a strong and significant symbol to Christians.
Messi is a devout Catholic who expressed his thankfulness to God multiple times after Argentina’s World Cup victory against France.
‘I just said God was going to give it to me,’ he told TYC Sports following his victory in Qatar. ‘I got a strong sensation that this was the time.’
CROWN HIM
Aside from the Christ image, Messi has many more interesting pieces of art up his sleeve, including three flowers and various clocks, which may represent the value of time.
Naturally, Messi has not addressed whether this is true.
THE LIPS
This next tattoo is likely to be noticed by eagle-eyed Messi fans watching his forthcoming games.
The crown tattoo at the base of Messi’s right biceps is best visible when his arms are outstretched, which is often when he scores.
According to some stories, it is a tribute to Antonela, who has a matching tattoo in the same spot on her right arm.
ROSARY BEARDS
While it is difficult to discern in this photo, Messi’s lower abs on the left side have lips, as if someone kissed him there with red lipstick.
Perhaps they did at one point in time. In any event, various reports indicate it is yet another tribute to his beautiful wife.
Another tattoo that has sparked speculation is the rosary on the Argentine’s right forearm.
Some believe it is a remembrance and honor of his hometown of Rosario. It could, however, be a reference to Messi’s religious beliefs, as the rosary is an important tool for believing Catholics.
