Athletes choose to adorn their bodies with tattoos for a variety of reasons. Some opt for tattoos to commemorate significant milestones in their careers, while others do it for the sake of fashion and ongoing trends. Following their historic World Cup victory, Argentine players such as Martinez, Di Maria, Lisandro Martinez, and Lionel Messi decided to get new tattoos as a lasting tribute to this remarkable achievement.
While there are footballers out there without any ink on their skin, notably Cristiano Ronaldo, there are others with quite a lot, like De Paul and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Lionel Messi explains that there should be more to having a tattoo than just fashion; the ink on his left leg is a tribute to Barcelona and Argentina, the teams that made him the icon he is today.
What does Lionel Messi’s FC Barcelona all-black leg tattoo mean?
In an interview with ESPN Argentina, Lionel Messi unveiled the significance of his all-black leg tattoo, emphasizing its connection to Barcelona.
“I got this tattoo to express my deep affection for the club that played an instrumental role in shaping me into the player I am today.”
Lionel Messi is now 36 years old enjoying his ‘football vacation’ in Miami, but before this, he had worked really hard, with most of his football years at Barcelona.
Lionel Messi dedicated an impressive 21 years of his career to his beloved boyhood club, Barcelona. His departure from the club in 2021, amidst the financial challenges faced by the Catalans, marked a significant moment in his career. However, even two years after leaving the Nou Camp, the Inter Miami star continues to hold a deep and sentimental attachment to the Blaugrana.
Like many other football stars, Lionel Messi is heavily inked in black. While speaking in his interview, he provided some explanation for the massive ink on his shin. The ink has the number 10, the FC Barcelona crest, a soccer ball and the Argentina FA badge.
“I got this tattoo to show my love for the club that made me what I am”, he said in reference to the Barcelona crest amid the ink.
“It turned out well: ball, 10, Argentina, Barca”, he joked as he explained that the tattoo was a replacement for a previous one he didn’t like.
“I didn’t like the tattoos I had”, he said. “I had gotten them at a time when I was getting it done for the sake of getting it done. It was typical of going to the tattoo artist: “Tell me what I can get done, ha”.
“And then I transformed it a little. I got a few football-related things. What’s more, I would have to give it another go, but at this point, I don’t feel like it anymore […] I more or less steered it; I fixed it a little, right?”
Lionel Messi claims he wants to teach Barcelona’s ideals to his children
Lionel Messi is known for being quite selective with interviews, but he appeared to be more relaxed and open during a recent conversation with comedian Migue Granados.
Despite no longer being a Barcelona player, the club continues to influence his life and even his children’s lives significantly. In the interview, Messi shared some heartfelt thoughts about parenthood.
“I think I am a good father, and I try to pass on to my children the values they taught me when I was young. I follow the approach of the club I grew up in, Barça… Barça’s values are very important”, he said.
Messi then showed proof of his continued love for Barcelona by flaunting his ‘Barca tattoos’.
When further asked about the next World Cup and how he’s currently enjoying life at Barcelona, he said, “I’m not thinking about the next World Cup yet, it’s far. About the upcoming Copa America, yes. It’s going to be nice. After that, we will see, depending on how I am. The years have passed, and we have to see how I feel; I’ll see it day by day.”
What are your thoughts on Lionel Messi’s iconic tattoos? Do you think he will return to Barcelona? Share with us below.
