Lionel Messi recently expressed his enduring love for FC Barcelona by discussing a significant tattoo dedicated to the club. After spending 21 years at his boyhood team, Messi left for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 due to financial issues at Barcelona. Now playing for Inter Miami, he still cherishes his time at the Nou Camp.

Messi’s tattoo, prominently featured on his left leg, is a collage of elements: the number 10, the Barcelona crest, a soccer ball, and the Argentina FA badge. In an interview with Argentinian comedian Migue Granados, he explained its importance: “I got this tattoo to show my love for the club that made me what I am.”

He humorously noted that the design was created to replace earlier tattoos he disliked, saying, “I had gotten them at a time when I was getting it done for the sake of getting it done.” He transformed the previous ink into a football-themed piece, reflecting his passion for the sport.

Messi also took a lighthearted jab at Granados’s tattoos, calling some of them “horrible.”

Initially, Messi had aimed for a return to Barcelona, but the club’s financial situation made that impossible. Despite assurances from club president Joan Laporta that they could manage his salary, Messi was unwilling to wait, especially after a similar situation occurred in 2021 when he returned to sign a contract only to find it withdrawn.

 

Ultimately, Messi chose Miami over an astronomical offer from Al-Hilal, marking a significant move for Major League Soccer. His two-and-a-half-year deal is reported to be worth $50-$60 million per year, solidifying his status as one of the league’s biggest stars.