Multiple fans in Buenos Aires, Argentina, are lining up to get tattoos of World Cup victor Lionel Messi with the prestigious trophy.
The fans are inspired by the body art of Argentinian players such as goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who has tattooed the exact spot on his leg where the ball struck him during a crucial last-minute save in the final of the Qatar World Cup to deny France’s Kolo Muani what would have been a match-winning goal.
Another player, Angel Di Maria, recently tattooed their World Cup trophy on his right leg.
According to tattoo artist Esteban Vucinovich, people who had previously planned appointments for tattoos of snacks or skulls switched it to Messi or the trophy.
“For the next two weeks, I have appointments exclusively related to the World Cup, some had already made an appointment for tattoos of snacks or skulls, but they are changing it to Messi or the Cup. I’ve two or three appointments a day,” He told AFP.
He added that the most requested skin art is of the trophy, followed by Messi and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who were crucial in the victory of the Albiceleste in the final against France.
Many Argentinian supporters explained why they chose to get tattoos honoring their country’s World Cup victory for various reasons.
“I got a tattoo of Messi as a gesture of thanks,” said Nicola Rechanik to AFP. ” This represents not only what Messi is but also the team that brought us a third world Cup and all the years of effort to reach this goal. Before getting the image of Messi in the team’s blue and white striped Jersey and kissing the trophy indelibly attached to his left leg, Rechanik already sported the likeness of another Argentine Football icon Diego Maradona.”
Ariel Sacchi, a physical education teacher, got tattoos for each of Messi’s five appearances in the World Cups. An image of the Argentine captain kissing the trophy sits in the center.
“I decided to get Leo because he brought the greatest joy to all Argentines,” he said.
The La Albiceleste won their first World Cup victory since 1986 thanks to Messi, who was awarded the competition’s Golden Ball.
