These days, being covered in tattoos is practically part of the uniform for professional soccer players. From sleeves and chest pieces to full-back designs, ink is everywhere on the pitch. In fact, it’s now rarer to see a top player without tattoos than one sporting them.
Lionel Messi—widely regarded as the greatest soccer player of all time—is no exception. In true Messi fashion, he was actually something of a trailblazer in the tattoo world, among the first global superstars to proudly show off extensive ink.
Over the years, his tattoos have taken on a life of their own, inspiring fans around the world and becoming part of his iconic image.
But with so many tattoos—and each one deeply personal—it can be hard to keep track of them all, let alone understand what they mean.
Don’t worry—we’ve done the digging for you. Here’s a full breakdown of Lionel Messi’s tattoos, their meanings, and the stories behind his ink.
