MARILYN CORNWELL: Marilyn's Photos - Sep 1 2026 - And then there's Messi Tattoos

Maybe this recent investigation of tattoos comes from a few sources. One is the continuing pictures of Lionel Messi. The photographers seem to go for the tattooed arm waving in the air.

I am well rewarded in looking up his tattoos. This is a long story with Messi having many tattoos. I found a site that provided a detailed tour of Messi Tattoos - it has its own table of contents as there are 18 of them - they are HERE. Here's an excerpt for the first six.

1. MOTHER’S PORTRAIT (FIRST EVER TATTOO)

Location: Left shoulder blade
Meaning: A tribute to Celia Messi, his biggest supporter and foundation runner
Story: This was Messi’s very first tattoo, showing where his heart has always been—with family. His mother runs the Leo Messi Foundation, helping underprivileged children worldwide.

2. THIAGO’S HANDPRINTS

Location: Left leg
Meaning: Actual handprints of his firstborn son
Story: Added on November 2, 2012, the day Thiago was born. Initially mistaken for Maradona’s “Hand of God,” Messi clarified by adding his son’s name inside the prints.

3. “THIAGO” NAME TATTOO

Location: Within the handprints on left leg
Meaning: His eldest son’s name
Story: Added to clarify that the handprints belonged to his son, not a football reference, showing his priorities as a father first.

4. ANTONELLA’S EYE

Location: Right bicep
Meaning: Portrait of his wife’s eye
Story: A romantic tribute to Antonella Roccuzzo, his childhood friend turned soulmate, whom he’s known since age five.

5. KISSING LIPS

Location: Arm
Meaning: Antonella’s lips
Story: Another romantic gesture honoring his wife, added after years of dating before their 2017 wedding.

6. FAMILY BIRTHDATES

Location: Left leg (within Thiago’s handprints)
Meaning: Birth dates of Antonella and all three sons
Story: November 2, 2012 (Thiago), September 11, 2015 (Mateo), March 10, 2018 (Ciro), and February 26, 1988 (Antonella).

and a bunch more to get to that total of 18. Here's a picture reference.