Lionel Messi Haircuts: A Complete Guide to His Most Iconic Styles

When it comes to combining legendary football skills with effortlessly cool style, Lionel Messi haircuts have earned a spotlight of their own. From his early shaggy mop at Barcelona to the bold platinum blonde and sleek comb-overs later in his career, Messi has quietly become a hair icon for men across the globe. In this guide, we’ll explore his most iconic hairstyles, how you can pull them off, and expert tips to match your look with confidence and style.

Messi’s Haircuts Through the Years: A Timeline of Style Evolution

Over the years, Lionel Messi haircuts have reflected his journey from rising star to global icon. His haircuts evolved in style, structure, and intention, with each phase of his career introducing a new signature look. Let’s explore how his hair transformed over time.

Early Days (2004–2010): The Shaggy Mullet Era

In his earliest seasons at Barcelona, Messi wore a shaggy mullet that was anything but styled. The sides were untamed, the back was long, and the top fell loosely in bowl-cut fashion.

These cuts reflected his working-class roots—likely done by local barbers with clippers and no styling tools. Still, the look became part of his charm.

If you like easygoing looks, this mullet style has a place among the best hairstyles for men with straight hair. It’s low-effort and full of attitude.

Mid-Career (2011–2015): Curtain Bangs & Blonde Phase

With rising fame came refined grooming. Around 2011, Messi embraced boy-band-style curtain bangs, complete with a middle part and soft framing around the face.

This look marked the beginning of his stylist-curated era. But in 2016, he shocked fans with a platinum blonde buzz cut—a bold reinvention that signaled confidence and rebellion.

His bleached style sits well within modern cool hairstyles for men—the kind that stand out without saying a word.

Modern Era (2018–2025): Polished, Sporty, and Bold

By 2018, Messi was opting for precision. He sported a classic taper fade with a brushed-back top during the World Cup—a clean, professional look matched with a well-groomed beard.

Soon after, he began wearing textured faux-hawks with faded back and sides. These cuts were sharp, modern, and easy to manage—ideal for athletes who want both form and function.

Currently, at Inter Miami, Messi has embraced a minimal buzz cut. This practical style is cool, sweat-proof, and ultra low-maintenance—similar to the popular low-maintenance haircuts for men that save time without sacrificing style.

25 Messi’s Signature Hairstyles Over the Years

As Lionel Messi’s influence grew, so did his hair game. From sporty tapers to bold mullets, each style had its own flair. Here are five standout looks that defined different stages of his career and continue to inspire men’s grooming today.

1. Textured Tapered Brush-Up

Messi’s brushed-up hairstyle with a mid taper is structured yet natural. The top has movement and light volume, while the sides remain sharp and tight. It’s a perfect choice for men who prefer modern edge with low styling effort. This look complements oval and square face shapes and works best when hair is kept slightly longer on top for texture.

2. Messy Medium-Length Flow

This effortlessly tousled medium-length look shows Messi’s laid-back side. Ideal for guys with wavy or thick hair, it falls around the cheekbones and flows with natural texture. A great fit for anyone exploring messy hairstyles for men or transitioning to longer styles. It offers movement and softness without the need for heavy styling products.

3. Modern Crew Cut with Tidy Sides

A refined take on the classic crew cut, this look keeps the top textured while the sides are neatly faded. The cut is professional yet relaxed, making it ideal for daily wear. For hold and definition without shine, try the Hanz de Fuko Claymation—a matte product that adds structure without stiffness.

4. Dual-Part Mullet Revival

Messi brought the mullet back with a modern twist—short sides, medium crown, and a subtle parting at the top. This edgy cut is great for those who want to stand out and works especially well for taper fade mullet hairstyles. With minimal upkeep, it delivers volume at the top and rebellious length at the back.

5. Refined Classic Comb Over

This timeless look features a sleek combed top with balanced tapering on the sides. Ideal for formal or business settings, the style elevates clean lines and a sharp side part. Maintain the style with Brickell Men’s Styling Clay Pomade—it offers strong hold without looking too rigid or greasy.

6. Highlighted Quiff Fade Combo

This quiff features lightly bleached ends for contrast, styled with a mid taper fade on the sides. The top is elevated and slightly brushed back, adding height and edge. It’s a flattering look for men with sharp jawlines or oval faces. Perfect for casual to semi-formal settings, this style keeps things bold without being overdone.

7. Buzz Crop with Mid Drop Fade

Combining ultra-short length with a stylish mid drop fade, this cut offers both edge and minimal upkeep. It’s great for men who want a strong jawline highlight with no-frills styling. If you’re after a similar clean-cut aesthetic, check out our buzz cuts for men article for more crisp, low-maintenance options.

8. Textured Fringe with Brushed Forward Top

Messi’s spiky fringe era was bold and youthful. The hair is brushed forward with texture on top and tapered cleanly at the sides. This look is perfect for adding height and edge without going overboard. Use BluMaan Monarch Matte Paste to keep your spikes strong but flexible throughout the day.

9. Soft Side-Part Long Flow

This longer hairstyle features natural movement with a subtle parting. Falling around the cheekbones and layered for flow, it’s a great option for men growing out their hair. It’s also a versatile look for those who lean into medium-length hairstyles for men, balancing volume and softness with ease.

10. Blonde Buzz with Beard Edge

Messi’s platinum buzz cut paired with a full beard made headlines. This bold style contrasts cool tones with rugged facial hair, offering strong personality with minimal hair to manage. It’s ideal for men who want to make a statement without daily styling. Add contrast using Revlon Total Color Platinum Blonde to replicate his icy tone.

11. Platinum Slick Back with Low Taper

This bold platinum look features a slicked-back top with softly tapered sides. The bleached tone enhances the skin fade while keeping the top icy clean. Ideal for confident dressers and guys who enjoy standing out. For shine and hold, style with Layrite Superhold Pomade—it gives a firm finish without feeling heavy.

12. Mid-Fade Spiky Texture

Messi’s spiky textured top combined with a clean mid fade was sharp and playful. The lift at the crown adds youthful energy, while the faded sides keep the structure tight. Great for both everyday wear and sporty looks. You can explore more creative texture ideas in our cool hairstyles for men collection.

13. Undercut Crop with Volume

This voluminous crop features a clear undercut and thick top brushed casually forward. The style gives density and shape without being high-maintenance. It’s great for guys with thick or slightly wavy hair. Pair it with matte-finish styling like Jack Henry Clay Pomade to keep your style touchable and defined all day.

14. Headband-Backed Long Hair

During training or downtime, Messi often rocked long, brushed-back hair held with a headband. This relaxed style works best for men growing their hair out past the ears. It’s a perfect match with surfer haircuts that require little styling but give major flow. Let the layers do the talking and skip the scissors.

15. Volumized Comb Over with Subtle Taper

This style takes the classic comb over and turns up the volume. The top is fuller, blown slightly back, and paired with a low taper for softness. This versatile cut can be worn slick or natural. Use Bumble and Bumble Thickening Spray to add volume without weighing hair down.

16. Bold Bleach Blonde Look

Messi’s fully bleached hair marked a daring turn in his image. This all-over blonde shade works best with short to medium cuts and cool undertones. It gives instant edge and a standout look on the pitch or off it. For home-friendly coloring, use L’Oréal Paris Feria Platinum Blonde—a strong lightener with anti-brass technology.

17. Young Mullet Mop Era

Back in his earliest days at Barcelona, Messi wore a mop-like mullet that’s still iconic. This style had volume at the crown, rounded sides, and length at the back. It’s a playful option if you’re into vintage boy hairstyles with a raw, nostalgic edge. Pair it with light layering for a modern twist on a retro classic.

18. Short Brushed Back Layers

Neatly trimmed sides and soft layers brushed back give this style balance and elegance. It’s great for formal settings or office-ready cuts that don’t scream for attention. Best on straight or slightly wavy textures, it holds shape without heavy product. For gentle control and shine, try Blind Barber 90 Proof Pomade.

19. Sharp Brush-Up with Low Fade

This updated brush-up brings together a soft low fade and height-focused styling. The style adds volume without mess and is perfect for square or heart-shaped faces. A great pick for active lifestyles, it fits right in with short men’s haircuts that need both edge and manageability.

20. Rugged Full Beard Statement

Although not technically a haircut, Messi’s full beard became a signature feature. Whether paired with a fade, crew cut, or buzzed top, it adds masculinity and sharp definition to the face. Keep it healthy and groomed with King C. Gillette Beard Balm—perfect for softening and shaping coarse facial hair.

21. Clean Shaved Buzz Look

Messi’s buzz cut was a game-changer—minimal, masculine, and bold. This style strips hair down to its essentials, highlighting facial features and bone structure. It’s ideal for men seeking low-maintenance haircuts with a clean edge. The shaved look suits summer months, athletes, or anyone wanting a no-fuss style that still turns heads.

22. Casual Side Sweep with Texture

This side-swept look brings together subtle layering and directional styling. It’s casual yet classy, offering versatility from day to night. Perfect for guys with medium thickness, this cut benefits from a flexible hold product like Redken Brews Cream Pomade—a smooth formula that keeps hair in place while allowing natural flow.

23. Sharp Mid-Fade Brush Up

Combining a brushed-up top with a seamless mid skin fade, this style adds structure without going overboard. It’s ideal for men wanting volume up top and clean edges at the temple. Also fits well within the modern fade haircuts for curly hair men trend if you’ve got light waves or movement.

24. Low-Maintenance Masculine Trim

A short, straightforward crop, this is one of Messi’s most practical looks. It’s sharp without being styled, and perfect for those who prioritize comfort over complexity. Maintain shape and ease of styling with TIGI Bed Head Matte Separation Wax—a go-to for texture without shine.

25. World Cup 2022 Hero Hair

Messi’s iconic cut during the Qatar 2022 World Cup featured a neat taper, balanced top volume, and precise beard blend. It became instantly viral after the win and now sits among the most requested celebrity hairstyles in barbershops worldwide. This style is classy, photogenic, and wearable for nearly any occasion.

Why These Styles Work for Messi

Performance-First and Low-Maintenance

Messi’s haircuts have always served his lifestyle on the field. Short fades, cropped tops, and taper cuts offer a clean look without requiring constant adjustments. These styles don’t fall into his face or disrupt gameplay—essential for a player who’s always on the move.

Many of his signature looks, like the brush-up or buzz cut, are favored by athletes for their simplicity and no-fuss styling needs.

Tailored to His Face Shape and Beard

Messi’s haircuts frame his face shape perfectly. His oval-to-square structure benefits from taper fades and textured volume up top, which add visual balance.

Pairing most styles with a short-to-medium beard creates rugged contrast. Whether it’s a classic crop or a slick comb-over, his beard anchors the look—offering definition and maturity.

Hair Color Reflects Key Moments

When Messi bleached his hair blonde in 2016, it wasn’t just a style change—it was a statement. His color transformations often aligned with turning points in his career.

These bold choices—like platinum or honey-toned highlights—added intensity to his image and stood out on the global stage. They showed that even understated personalities can experiment boldly with their hair.

How to Get the Messi Cut: Barber’s Guide

Classic Taper with Brushed-Back Top

To recreate Messi’s timeless taper, ask your barber for a mid taper fade with 1.5 guard on the sides and 2–3 inches left on top. The top should be brushed back using a blow dryer and a round brush to create lift.

For styling, a matte finish product works best. Try Hanz de Fuko Quicksand for a natural hold with texture. This cut suits nearly all face shapes and works both casually and professionally.

“The key to a clean taper is balance—not too harsh, not too soft. Messi’s cut nails that every time.” – A Master Barber, NYC

Textured Faux-Hawk with Faded Sides

For the textured faux-hawk, request a mid skin fade with a higher crown and taper toward the neckline. Use a #2 guard near the temple and blend upwards, keeping the top scissor-cut for texture.

Messi’s version isn’t too edgy—it stays wearable. Add shape with a styling clay or medium-hold paste, and always dry the hair upward for lift.

Platinum Blonde Transformation

Going platinum like Messi isn’t a DIY task. You’ll need a professional bleach treatment to lift your natural color several levels, especially if you have dark hair.

Ask your colorist about hair porosity testing and a toner to prevent brassiness. Post-treatment care is key—use purple shampoo and hydrating masks weekly to keep the blonde fresh and your strands strong.

Products & Styling Tips

Pick the Right Products for the Messi Look

Getting Messi’s hair isn’t just about the cut—it’s also about how you style it. His go-to looks often rely on lightweight, matte-finish products that offer control without stiffness.

For textured styles, use a clay wax or matte pomade like Brickell Men’s Styling Clay Pomade to build shape while keeping it natural. If you’re after movement or flow, a good sea-salt spray adds volume and wave with zero shine.

Messi’s Signature Styling Routine

Start by towel-drying your hair right after the shower to absorb moisture. Next, blow-dry with your fingers, lifting at the roots to create volume. Direct air upward if you’re going for a quiff or brush-up.

Finish with a cold shot on your blow dryer to set the shape and add natural hold. This method keeps the hair in place without making it feel crunchy or flat.

Messi Haircuts & Trends

Adopted by Fans Worldwide

From Argentina to Asia, Messi’s haircuts are more than personal style they’re global trends. Fans often copy his latest look within days of a match. Whether it’s a new fade or platinum transformation, it quickly spreads across platforms like Pinterest, TikTok, and Instagram Reels.

His textured quiff and brushed-back styles are especially popular among young men seeking fresh yet wearable looks.

Social Buzz & Hair Hype

Messi’s hair even sparks debates online. On Reddit, fans once dissected whether his performance improved when his haircut was clean and fresh—yes, seriously.

Some threads suggest his 2018 World Cup taper coincided with more confident play. Whether coincidence or superstition, the buzz shows how much his look matters to his audience.

Impact on Men’s Style Culture

Messi may be quiet off the field, but his grooming choices have shaped modern men’s fashion. From low-maintenance fade haircuts to headband-backed flow styles, his influence spans casual and athletic circles alike.

His cuts are relatable, wearable, and repeatable—making them a go-to blueprint for style-conscious men worldwide.

Messy vs Polished: Which Era Suits You?

The Rugged, Messy Era

Messi’s early mullet and side-brushed styles had an untamed charm. These haircuts worked because they were authentic—low-budget, low-maintenance, and full of personality. They’re great for laid-back guys who lean toward casual fashion, creative fields, or sporty routines. Think streetwear, training gear, and spontaneous vibes.

If your lifestyle is relaxed and you don’t mind a little chaos in your look, the messy era might be your match.

The Refined, Polished Era

In contrast, Messi’s later looks—like the classic taper, platinum buzz, and faux-hawk—brought in structure and edge. These styles are well-groomed, photo-ready, and work for men who like control and consistency.

Perfect for corporate environments, content creators, or anyone who values daily grooming, these cuts pair well with modern wardrobes and intentional self-care routines.

Finding Your Fit

Not sure which version of Messi reflects you? Go rugged if you love movement, texture, and carefree mornings. Choose polished if you prefer clean lines, fast styling, and a confident edge.

At the end of the day, both eras share one thing: confidence. The best Messi haircut for you is the one you can wear with pride.

FAQs

1. What is Lionel Messi’s most iconic haircut?

Messi’s most iconic haircut is arguably the classic taper with brushed-back top, worn during the 2018 World Cup. It blended sportiness with polish and inspired a wave of low-fade, high-texture cuts globally. His platinum blonde buzz cut also made headlines as one of his boldest transformations.

2. How do I ask my barber for a Messi-style cut?

Be specific. For example, say: “I want a mid taper with 2–3 inches on top, styled upward and back.” For textured looks, request scissor work on top and faded sides. Always bring a photo—barbers love visual references, especially for cuts like Messi’s faux-hawk or slick-back styles.

3. What face shapes do Messi’s haircuts suit?

Most of Messi’s styles are ideal for oval, heart, and square face shapes. Tapered sides elongate the face, while textured tops add balance. For rounder faces, opt for a more vertical quiff or brushed-up cut. Side-swept styles and layered tops also work well to define softer facial structures.

4. Can I bleach my hair like Messi at home?

Technically, yes—but it’s not recommended unless you’re experienced. Bleaching involves strong chemicals and timing mistakes can cause damage. If you’re attempting a platinum transformation like Messi’s, go to a salon. Post-bleach, use purple shampoo, deep conditioners, and toner to maintain color and hair health.

5. Do Messi’s haircuts need daily styling?

Not all of them. His buzz cut, mullet, and crew cut require little to no effort. However, styles like the brushed-back taper or textured quiff benefit from daily touch-ups using matte pomade or clay. Blow-drying with cold air helps hold the shape throughout the day.

Conclusion

Whether you prefer the rebellious flow of his early mullet or the refined taper of his World Cup days, Lionel Messi haircuts prove that great style doesn’t need to shout—it just needs confidence. His hair evolution reflects personal growth, risk-taking, and timeless simplicity.

From buzz cuts to platinum transformations, Lionel Messi haircuts continue to inspire men seeking a fresh, functional, and fashion-forward look. Want more celebrity-inspired styles? Explore our celebrity hairstyles guide to find your next signature cut. The best look for you might just be Messi-approved.