Lionel Messi recently expressed his undying love for FC Barcelona by speaking out about a meaningful tattoo dedicated to the club. After spending 21 years with his boyhood team, Messi left for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 due to financial issues at Barcelona. He now plays for Inter Miami and still cherishes his time at the Nou Camp.
Messi’s tattoo, which occupies a prominent place on his left leg, is a collage of elements: the number 10, the Barcelona crest, a football and the crest of the Argentine Football Federation. In an interview with Argentine comedian Migue Granados, he explained its significance: “I got this tattoo to show my love for the club that made me who I am.”
He humorously noted that the design was created to replace previous tattoos he didn’t like, saying, “I got them at a time when I was just doing it for the sake of it.” He transformed the previous tattoo into a football-themed piece, reflecting his passion for the sport.
Messi also made fun of Granados’ tattoos, calling some of them “horrible.”
Messi was initially aiming to return to Barcelona, but the club’s financial situation made that impossible. Despite assurances from club president Joan Laporta that they could pay his salary, Messi was unwilling to wait, especially after a similar situation occurred in 2021, when he returned to sign a contract only to have it terminated.
In the end, Messi chose Miami over an astronomical offer from Al-Hilal, marking a significant step for Major League Soccer. His two-and-a-half-year contract is reportedly worth between $50 million and $60 million per year, cementing his status as one of the league’s biggest stars.
