Lionel Messi has a unique habit of pointing to the sky whenever he scores a goal, a gesture that his fans often interpret as a sign that there are no limits to his abilities. In truth, Messi does this as a way to honor and remember his late grandmother, Mrs. Celia Olivera Cuccittini, who passed away when he was just 11 years old. It’s a touching tribute that shows how much his grandmother meant to him.
Lionel Messi always looks up to the sky in gratitude when he scores a goal, a gesture that symbolizes his love for his late grandmother who played a significant role in his football journey. Messi once revealed that his grandmother introduced him to the sport, taking him to watch local matches where he would cheer on his older brothers and cousins. Despite being the youngest and smallest in the family, his grandmother’s persistence and belief in his ability led to a pivotal moment in a match where he was given the opportunity to play and showcase his talent. This event marked the beginning of Lionel Messi’s illustrious football career, a moment that the people of Rosario, Argentina, fondly refer to as “football history”.
The iconic goal celebration gesture of Lionel Messi is a familiar sight for football fans worldwide, captured in photos and videos across various platforms. When delving into the life story of this legendary player, one cannot overlook the significant role played by his grandmother. Football runs deep in the Messi family, with Lionel and his siblings honing their skills on the pitch from a tender age, guided by their love for the beautiful game. At the age of four, Messi’s father kickstarted his football journey by enrolling him in soccer lessons. However, it was his grandmother, Mrs. Celia, who truly shaped his evolution as a player. She not only accompanied him to training sessions and matches, but also encouraged him to challenge himself against stronger opponents, a move that unearthed Messi’s natural talent at an early age. The untimely passing of his beloved grandmother just before he turned eleven left a profound impact on young Messi. To honor her memory, he adopted the practice of looking up at the sky and pointing whenever he scored a goal, a heartfelt tribute to the woman who held a special place in his heart. Beyond this touching gesture, the only tattoo adorning Messi’s back is a portrait of his mother, showcasing the deep bonds that have shaped his life both on and off the field.
Messi proudly displays a tattoo of his mother’s face on his back, symbolizing the unwavering support she provides him throughout his life. This tattoo, featuring the likeness of Mrs. Celia Maria Cuccittini, is not only his first tattoo but also a heartfelt tribute to the woman who brought him into this world and nurtured him. This inked homage was unveiled in 2011 when Messi, taking a break from his grueling football career, basked in the sun on a yacht shirtless. Despite being distant from his mother due to his career commitments since the tender age of 13, Messi wanted to find a special way to keep her close to his heart. This tattoo serves as a visible expression of his love and gratitude towards his mother. In January 2011, Messi found himself fined 2,000 euros after netting a goal for Barcelona against Racing de Santander.
Lionel Messi got his first tattoo of his mother’s face, Mrs. Celia Maria Cuccittini, as a tribute to her. During a celebration after scoring a goal, Messi lifted his shirt to reveal a message written in Spanish on his undershirt, which read “Happy birthday mom.” The devoted love that Messi holds for his wife, whom he has known since he was just 5 years old, is a testament to their enduring bond.
Messi and his wife, Antonela, both have meaningful tattoos that symbolize their love for each other. One of Messi’s tattoos is a crown on his right bicep, which represents how they are each other’s king and queen. There is also an eye tattoo next to the crown, signifying that Antonela will always be watching over him. On his right leg, Messi has his wife and kids’ birthdays inked, showing his dedication to his family. Additionally, there is a red lip mark tattoo near his left hip, which represents Antonela’s kiss. The couple’s love story began when they were just children, with Antonela supporting Messi throughout his successful football career. They tied the knot in 2017 and now have three children together. Antonela not only takes care of their family but also participates in volunteer work. A prominent figure on social media, Antonela has nearly 24 million followers and is a well-known fashion designer with her own popular brand. The couple’s love story is a true testament to their lasting bond and support for each other.
The photo of Lionel Messi with his family was featured in the Daily Mail. Antonela originally trained to become a dentist, but once she and Messi decided to have a family, she put her career on hold to support him. She takes on many household responsibilities and accompanies Messi on his international playing career to cheer him on. Messi has the most renowned brand image in the global market today. With assets totaling around 600 million USD, he stands as one of the wealthiest players in the world. Since meeting Messi almost 30 years ago, Antonela and Messi’s lives have evolved significantly from their humble beginnings. They now own multiple properties in various countries, including Spain, the USA, and Argentina. Despite their success, Antonela’s lifestyle remains simple and low-key. She doesn’t seek the limelight or indulge in extravagant activities like many other celebrity spouses. Messi’s relationship with Antonela stands out from other footballers as he is admired not only for his talent but also for being a devoted family man who is loyal and responsible.
Messi has various tattoos that showcase his love for his wife, as seen in a photo by Goal. Antonela, who is the cousin of Messi’s childhood friend Lucas Scaglia, caught Messi’s eye from the first time they met at Lucas’s house. Despite being a year younger than him, Messi made sure to impress Antonela every time she visited. During their youth, Messi wrote letters expressing his feelings for Antonela, even writing “love letters” as a child to declare his intentions for them to be together in the future. Despite Messi moving to Barcelona at a young age, he continued to keep in touch with Antonela. When Antonela’s best friend tragically passed away, Messi immediately flew back to Argentina to give her his support and comfort. As they both approached adulthood, they realized their strong desire to start a relationship despite the distance between them. Antonela never neglected her studies and career goals, earning a bachelor’s degree in humanities and sociology from Rosario National University. After graduating she even pursued dentistry, but love ultimately led her to change her plans and be with Messi.
Messi enjoys a happy family life, as seen in a photo by Daily Mail. Antonela made the decision to move to Barcelona to be with Messi, showing her commitment and putting her own plans on hold to support her partner. They welcomed their first child, Thiago, in 2012, followed by their son Mateo in 2015. In 2017, Messi and Antonela officially tied the knot, and a year later, their son Ciro was born. Messi speaks highly of his wife, praising her numerous qualities and strengths. He admires her ability to handle daily tasks, her positive personality, and her emotional balance. He describes her as a smart and capable individual who excels in every aspect of life, always facing challenges with a positive attitude.
