Even in his little time with Inter Miami, Lionel Messi has managed to captivate the hearts and minds of American soccer fans.

The Argentine superstar has caused quite a commotion in Fort Lauderdale and has drawn a lot of attention to Major League Soccer.

Not only that, but a plethora of famous people, such as Diddy, Kim Kardashian, LeBron James, and DJ Khaled, have been seen doing it.

While it’s arguable that Messi’s on-field performances qualify as art, the genius actually sports a plethora of body art.

If you’ve ever wanted to know what the meaning of Magic Messi’s tattoos are, you can find them all here on Mail Sport.

The great Lionel Messi has unsurprisingly taken MLS & the American soccer sphere by storm

Messi with a portrait of his mother, Celia Maria Cuccittini on his left shoulder blade in 2011

Where better to start with what is widely reported to be Messi’s first-ever tattoo?

Seen here in 2011, Messi is pictured with a portrait of his mother, Celia Maria Cuccittini, on his left shoulder blade.

THIAGO

Messi pictured in 2019 while at the Copa America in Brazil, training ahead of the quarter finals

Continuing on the theme of family, Messi got a tattoo of his eldest son, Thiago’s hands — followed by a love heart with his name inscribed on the interior.

Thiago was born on November 2, 2012, leading his father to write in a Facebook post; ‘Today I am the happiest man in the world, my son was born and thanks to God for this gift! Thanks to my family for the support! A hug to everyone.’

Thiago is now 10 years old, and  showed his soccer skills, nutmegging his famous father, during his Inter Miami unveiling.

ANTONELA’S EYE

Messi has a tattoo on his right bicep which looks to be a tribute to his longtime wife, Antonela

The apple of Messi’s eye is undoubtedly his childhood sweetheart-turned-wife, Antontela Roccuzzo.

So, it is fitting the former Barcelona man would have a tattoo which resembles her eye on his right bicep.

A tale as well-tread as the Grand Canyon, Messi and Roccuzzo met while he played for Newell’s Old Boys and reunited after he had moved to Catalonia to join FC Barcelona.

THE BALL HE’S MASTERED

The Argentine even reserved space on his dynamic left foot for his first love — a soccer ball

On Messi’s right leg, there are also the dates of his children and wife inked, plus their names

THE NO. 10

It’s unsurprising to see there was room on Messi’s mercurial left foot for the Argentine’s first love.

On his favored left leg, Messi has a soccer ball and adjacent to it are four dates of birth; his, Antonela’s — followed by his three children; Thiago, Mateo and Ciro.

As if one leg wasn’t enough, Messi decided to also ink them on the lower portion of his right leg and ankle.

On the other side of Messi’s left shin & calf is the No. 10, for which he is now synonymous with

Staying with Messi’s lethal left, on the opposing side is the No. 10. Though, this wasn’t his first number at Barcelona.

He began wearing No. 30 back in 2004 before pulling on the No. 19 shirt. It was in the 2008/09 season where he finally took the shirt for which he made iconic at the Catalan club.

Messi was had a different tattoo on his left shin and calf before blacking it out in later years

JESUS CHRIST

Prior to the aforementioned tattoo, Messi had this blue-tinged iteration, complete with what appears to be a cross.

Of course, Messi blacked it out, with the No. 10 only visible from this original artwork.

The image which stands out on Messi’s right arm is of Jesus Christ wearing a crown of thorns

TIMEPIECES

An array of tattoos adorn Messi’s right arm, but the most prominent one is perched on his shoulder.

For Christians, the image is precious and powerful because it depicts Jesus Christ himself wearing a crown of thorns.

After Argentina’s World Cup victory over France, Messi, a devout Catholic, thanked God multiple times.

His post-Qatar victory interview with TYC Sports read: “I just said that God was going to give it to me.”. “I knew in my heart that this was the time.”

A closer look at Messi’s arm reveals he has several clocks, perhaps indicating the role of time

A different angle shows off one of the timepieces illustrated on the Argentine’s arm in 2015

CROWN HIM

The image of Christ aside, there are several other interesting pieces of art along Messi’s sleeve, including three flowers and several clocks – perhaps signifying the preciousness of time.

Naturally, Messi has not discussed whether this is founded or otherwise.

While the meaning is not exactly known, Messi’s wife Antonela has a similar tattoo on her arm

Antonela, seen with her son Mateo at a La Liga game vs. Real Betis in 2016, has a similar tattoo

LIPS

Pay close attention to Messi’s forthcoming games, and you might notice this next tattoo on a lot of people.

The crown tattoo on Messi’s right bicep stands out more when he stretches his arms wide, which is usually when he scores a goal.

Antonela, who has a matching tattoo in the same spot on her right arm, may be the inspiration, according to some sources.

Several sources state that Messi also has a lip homage to Antonela.

Braided Roses

Messi appears to have red lipstick kissed him on the lower left part of his body, albeit it is not visible in this photo.

Maybe they did at one point. Any way, it seems to be another homage to his beautiful wife, according to several reports.

In 2020, while practicing with Barcelona, a closeup of Messi reveals several tattoos, including a rosary.

Another tattoo that has sparked speculation is the rosary on the Argentine’s right forearm.

Some see it as a tribute to Rosario, his hometown, and a constant reminder of his roots there. However, Messi’s devotion to the rosary, a key devotional tool for devout Catholics, may be hinted at.