Tattoos are an artistic, personal way to express oneself. When you take a look at Leo Messi, you can't help but think that getting tattooed is one of his favorite art forms [...other than creating magic on the pitch].
The Barca captain has 17 tattoos total, each with its own meaning, uniqueness and precision detail throughout. Below we outline each of Leo's tattoos and its significance. The first four are part of our new
Leo Tattoo Montage T-Shirt, launching exclusively for our
email/SMS subscribers and
app users this Friday April 16. The t-shirt will be our latest release in the
Messi Studio collection.
Can you identify how many of Leo's tattoos are in this graphic? Design will be launching exclusively to subscribers and app users on Friday April 16th at 12pm EST.
1. The Lotus Flower
From being a humble boy from the small Argentinian city of Rosario, to becoming a six-time Ballon d'Or winner and one of the best players of all time, Leo Messi´s story is one of following your dreams and living to your full potential. His tattoo of a Lotus Flower is a symbol and a reminder of this.
2. The Crown
His & hers: on the inside of their right arms, Leo and his wife Antonella share matching crown tattoos. These symbolize their strong love for one other: she is his queen and he is her king. We definitely wanted to include this in our new tattoo tee, and in future designs to come.
3. Antonella's Eye
Speaking of Antonella, ever notice that huge eye on the inside of Messi's right bicep? It is said is is they eye of his wife, Anto. Can you spot where the same eye is on our new design?
4. The Rose Window
You may have noticed Leo's rose window tattoo on his elbow as he does his iconic celebration of pointing to the sky after scoring a goal. This tattoo is placed perfectly, with his elbow point being the center of the type of window seen inside churches and cathedrals. Leo's in particular is inspired by the Sagrada Familia church in Barcelona. This tattoo is the central point on our new tattoo t-shirt.
5. Jesus
A portrait of Jesus Christ sits at the top of the full sleeve on Leo's right arm. This piece is a tribute to his undeniable faith rooted in Christianity.
6. Giant Clock Tattoo
What's the most precious thing in your life? For Leo, despite having presumably everything one could want in the world, he values time and the loved ones he spends it with above everything else. The giant clock is a reminder of the truly important things in life.
7. Timepiece Cogs
Right underneath the giant clock are timepiece cogs. Cogs in a watch help the clock turn its gears. These are probably part of the giant clock piece, relating to the passage of time and how quickly or fast it can go...
8. The Rosary
Also part of the sleeve piece is what may appear as string of beads, which is actually a rosary - an homage to Messi's hometown of Rosario.
9. His Mother's Portrait
As demonstrated with his rosary tattoo, Leo hasn't forgotten his roots. The same could be said with the image of his mother on his back. The portrait of Celia Maria Cuccittini was actually his very first tattoo. It illustrates how much love & admiration that he has for the woman who raised him.
10 + 11. Handprints + Thiago
After his first son was born, Leo got Thiago's handprints tattooed on the back of his left thigh to symbolize becoming a father. Apparently, people thought the hands represented "Maradona's Hand of God" goal. So, Leo added Thiago's name in a heart so that there would be no mistake in who the tattoo was intended for.
12. Birthdates tattoo
At the bottom of his right leg sit the birthdates of the loves his life: Antonella, Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro.
13. Antonella's Lips
It's the second time we're showing this photo, we know. Well, take a look at Leo's bottom left hip. Those lips belong to Antonella.
14. Football Tattoo
Leo's dominant left leg has made him become the legend that he is. Fittingly, a soccer ball sits at the top of his left calf. Besides his family, football is the other love of Leo's life. It has made him who he is, so of course it sits among other important things in his life on his body's canvas.
15. The Number 10
On his same left leg sits the number 10, the jersey number of Leo for FC Barcelona and the Argentina National team.
16. Mateo
Mateo is the name of Leo's second son, and it sits vertically tattooed to the left of the Jesus portrait.
17. South America Tattoo
It has been said that Leo has a tattoo of South America and Europe, the two continents where he has lived, somewhere on his right arm. Have you been able to spot it?
All of Leo's tattoos are beautifully done and have even more beautiful meanings. We are so excited to launch the Leo's Tattoo Montage T-shirt collection, featuring the lotus flower, rose window, crown, and Antonella's eye.
The first shirts launch this Friday April 16th in the Messi Studio, available exclusively for email/text subscribers and app users. Be sure to have your clocks set for 12pm EST and have your notifications turned ON - this is sure to be one of our most popular releases yet.
