Lionel Messi’s tattoos have become as recognizable as his left foot, with ink that stretches from his legs to his right arm and back. The designs are not random decorations; they map out family ties, faith, and the milestones that have shaped his life.
As Messi prepares to take the pitch with Argentina against Algeria at Kansas City Stadium on Tuesday, June 16, his body art is likely to draw attention again. USA TODAY breaks down the locations and meanings behind the pieces that are most visible during matches.
Leg ink built around family and football
Messi’s lower left leg is covered by a large black area that works as a cover-up for earlier tattoos, including a sword and angel wings. That partial sleeve also includes a “Five of Cups” playing card, a soccer ball, the number 10, and handprints of his oldest child, Thiago.
His right lower leg carries a different family tribute. Just above the ankle, Messi has the names of all three of his children — Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro — along with their birthdates.
Faith, love, and symbols on his right arm
Messi’s right arm sleeve begins at the shoulder with an image of Jesus Christ wearing a crown of thorns, a clear nod to his faith. The sleeve also includes an eye on the inside of his right bicep, which is widely believed to honor his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and matches an eye tattoo on her right arm.
Near the elbow, Messi has a rose window that may have been inspired by Santa Maria del Pi, a church in Barcelona. Flowers and rosary beads sit around it, and the sleeve finishes with a classic-style pocket watch that suggests time matters, too.
A tribute on his back
On his back, Messi has a portrait of his mother, Celia, on his left shoulder blade. The tribute has remained one of the most personal parts of his tattoo collection.
“Leo is a divine son, a beautiful brother, a better father and an incredible husband,” Messi’s mother said in 2018.
From his children’s names to religious imagery and family portraits, Messi’s tattoos tell a clear story across multiple parts of his body. The artwork has become inseparable from the image fans see every time he steps onto the field.