10 Legendary Lionel Messi Hairstyles You’ll Instantly Recognize

Lionel Messi isn’t just one of the greatest footballers of all time—he’s also had some surprisingly stylish hair moments throughout his career. While he’s mostly known for his humble nature, Messi has switched up his hairstyle many times, from clean and classic cuts to bold dyed looks. Each style matched a different phase in his journey—from young rising star to global icon.

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Scissor Cut Quiff

This style showed up during Messi’s transition into a mature, stylish athlete. The hair is kept medium on top and shaped with scissors into a soft quiff—giving volume at the front without going too bold. The sides are natural and clean, not skin-faded, keeping things classy. It suits straight or slightly wavy hair and works great on oval or square faces. Styling requires a blow dryer and a little pomade or paste to keep the shape. You can maintain it easily at home, but the first cut is best done by a barber.

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Brush Up with Tapered Sides

This look is clean and youthful. The top is brushed upward, with the sides tapered—not too short, just enough to create contrast. Messi wore this often during big tournaments. It works for most face shapes and is ideal for men with thick or straight hair. Styling is easy: just blow-dry the top upward and use a medium-hold product. It’s a low-fade alternative to more aggressive styles.

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Short Modern Mullet

Messi’s mullet days go back to his early years. The modern version is shorter and more polished, with slightly longer hair at the back while the front and sides stay tight. It’s playful yet balanced, perfect for fans of retro styles with a modern twist. It works best on straight or slightly curly hair. A barber is needed to blend the lengths properly, but you can style it yourself with minimal product.

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Dyed Top and Full Beard

One of Messi’s boldest looks came when he bleached his hair platinum blonde and paired it with a full beard. The contrast gave him a rebellious and edgy appearance, showing a different side of his personality. This style works if you want to stand out—but keep in mind that bleaching requires maintenance and proper hair care. The beard balances the look and adds masculinity. A professional should handle the coloring.

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Taper Fade and Brush Up

This is one of Messi’s most polished looks. The sides are faded cleanly, while the top is brushed upward with a structured finish. It looks sharp without being flashy and suits almost all face shapes. This style needs a good barber for the fade and some product for volume on top. It’s great for work, casual, or formal settings.

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The Classic Taper and Side Brush

Simple, timeless, and effortless—this haircut features a scissor-cut taper on the sides with the top brushed slightly to the side. Messi wore this during many press events and awards. It works for men of all ages and hair types, especially straight or fine hair. No complex styling—just a comb and light hold product. Perfect if you prefer a natural look.

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Medium Fringe

At one point, Messi rocked a soft, medium-length fringe that fell slightly over his forehead. This relaxed, youthful style softens facial features and works well with straight or slightly wavy hair. It’s best for oval or long faces. Blow-dry the fringe downward and use a light styling cream to avoid stiffness. Maintenance is low, but regular trims help keep the length under control.

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Short Quiff

This version of the quiff is neater and shorter—no big volume, just a subtle lift at the front. Messi used this cut often during high-profile matches. It suits round or square faces and works well for men who want something in between casual and stylish. Apply a small amount of pomade, use your fingers to shape the quiff, and you’re done.

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Short Tapered Hair

A basic but clean look—short all around with a tapered finish at the neck and sides. Messi has often returned to this cut during off-seasons. It’s great for guys who want a no-fuss, easy-to-maintain cut. It suits any face shape and works for all hair types. Just a quick comb or hand tousle in the morning is enough.

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Undercut and Medium Top Crop

With a sharp undercut and a longer top, this cut brought Messi into a more fashion-forward phase. The top is slightly messy and textured, while the sides are clipped short. This bold contrast suits men with thick hair and oval or long faces. You’ll need styling clay to define the top, and a barber to keep the undercut sharp.

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Undercut and Volumized Side-Comb

This look features a disconnected undercut with the top styled to the side, adding volume and control. Messi wore this when blending sporty and stylish vibes. It works best for thick, straight hair and structured face shapes. Use a strong-hold product and comb the hair to one side after blow-drying. Ideal for guys who like a bold, tidy finish.

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Final Thoughts

Lionel Messi may be known for his football, but his hairstyles have quietly evolved along with his career. From bold dyed looks to clean scissor cuts, he’s shown that style doesn’t have to be flashy to be iconic.

If you’re looking to upgrade your look, try taking inspiration from one of Messi’s many hairstyles. Whether you want something simple and sharp or something bold and new, there’s a Messi look for every kind of guy.