Style | Fashion
By Amalissa Hall
Updated Dec 13, 2023
Cover Lionel Messi is no stranger to receiving the Ballon d’Or awards, and has experimented with his outfits at the ceremony over the years (Photo: Getty Images)
Lionel Messi is no stranger to receiving the Ballon d’Or awards, and has experimented with his outfits at the ceremony over the years (Photo: Getty Images)
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The FIFA World Cup-winning footballer doesn’t shy away from making statements with his fashion choices. From a classic tuxedo to a sequinned suit, here are some of Messi’s most dapper style moments over the years
Lionel Messi is coming to Hong Kong next year with Inter Miami CF, which is co-owned by David Beckham, to play against a specially invited Hong Kong Team in an exhibition match—as part of Tatler’s XFEST—on February 4, 2024. The city is rightfully abuzz with the news, especially since Messi is widely considered as one of the most talented and celebrated football players of our generation. The Argentinian sportsperson has won the one of the highest accolades in football, the Ballon d’Or awards, a record-setting eight times, from 2009 to 2023. His latest win in October 2023 was largely due to Messi leading the Argentinian side to victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
In anticipation of this star player visiting our city next year, we look back at eight of the best tuxedos and suits Messi has sported for the Ballon d’Or awards over the years.
Don’t miss: David Beckham and Inter Miami CF partner with Tatler Asia for groundbreaking XFEST football match with Hong Kong Team
1. Messi in Louis Vuitton, 2023
Above Lionel Messi at the 2023 Ballon d'Or awards (Photo: Getty Images)
Lionel Messi at the 2023 Ballon d'Or awards (Photo: Getty Images)
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Messi accepted the Ballon d’Or in October 2023 for leading his team to victory at the finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. For the occasion, he wore a chic Louis Vuitton tuxedo that seemed traditional, however upon closer inspection, the jacket had a slight sheen that revealed the maison’s signature checkered pattern.
2. Messi in a sequinned suit, 2021
Above Lionel Messi at the 2021 Ballon d'Or awards (Photo: Getty Images)
Lionel Messi at the 2021 Ballon d'Or awards (Photo: Getty Images)
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It was a family affair in 2021 as Messi matched with his sons in sparkly black tuxedos and satin bow ties, which complemented the metallic number worn by his wife, Antonella Roccuzzo.
3. Messi foregoing a bowtie, 2019
Above Lionel Messi at the 2019 Ballon d'Or awards (Photo: Getty Images)
Lionel Messi at the 2019 Ballon d'Or awards (Photo: Getty Images)
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Messi swapped the tux for a suit, opting for a black velvet jacket and contrasting its plush texture with a silk grey tie that featured a geometric pattern.
4. Messi in a classic tuxedo, 2015
Above Lionel Messi at the 2015 Ballon d'Or awards (Photo: Getty Images)
Lionel Messi at the 2015 Ballon d'Or awards (Photo: Getty Images)
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A traditional black tuxedo with satin lapels worn with a wing collar shirt and bowtie is a classic look for a celebratory occasion, and that’s what Messi wore when accepting his fifth Ballon d’Or.
5. Messi in Dolce & Gabbana, 2014
Above Lionel Messi at the 2014 Ballon d'Or awards (Photo: Getty Images)
Lionel Messi at the 2014 Ballon d'Or awards (Photo: Getty Images)
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Messi doesn’t shy away from a statement suit, and this metallic plum ensemble that sparkled in the light was a stylish approach to incorporating colour and coordinating with his wife on the red carpet.
6. Messi in Dolce & Gabbana, 2013
Above Lionel Messi at the 2013 Ballon d'Or awards (Photo: Getty Images)
Lionel Messi at the 2013 Ballon d'Or awards (Photo: Getty Images)
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This polka dot tuxedo jacket and bowtie was a playful choice for Messi, and the wide satin lapels created enough contrast to prevent the look from appearing like a costume.
7. Messi in plum velvet, 2012
Above Lionel Messi at the 2012 Ballon d'Or awards (Photo: Getty Images)
Lionel Messi at the 2012 Ballon d'Or awards (Photo: Getty Images)
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Plum velvet looks extra luxurious, and this three-piece suit with contrast piping on the lapels that matched the tie was an all-around dapper choice for Messi when receiving his third consecutive award.
8. Messi in Dolce & Gabbana, 2011
Above Lionel Messi at the 2011 Ballon d'Or (Photo: Getty Images)
Lionel Messi at the 2011 Ballon d'Or (Photo: Getty Images)
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Messi wore a classic take on the black velvet tuxedo for his second Ballon d’Or win, and the black bow tie kept things subtle but sophisticated.
This article was originally published on November 30, 2021 and was updated on December 13, 2023.
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Topics
Lionel Messi Football Inter Miami CF Hong Kong match Messi in Hong Kong