Lionel Messi Hairstyles (2026 Guide): 15 Best Messi Haircuts + How to Get Them
Get your hair a little Messi
Lionel Messi isn’t just one of the greatest footballers of all time—he’s also a global style icon. Over the years, Messi’s hair has evolved from long, shaggy locks to sharp fades, textured quiffs, and even platinum blonde looks. The Argentine soccer player is a bona fide social media sensation, and he’s become very well known for the many different haircuts he’s sported over the years.
If you’re looking for the best Lionel Messi hairstyles, this guide covers his most iconic haircuts, how to get them, and which styles suit your face shape and hair type.
Lionel Messi Hairstyles: Scissor Cut Quiff
Here, Messi goes classic with a scissor-cut quiff that is nicely sculpted at the front and has a lot of volume from all angles. He finishes it off with a matching beard which gives the entire look a lot of manly appeal.
Brush up with Tapered Sides
This simple cut packs a lot of style into its rather low profile. Uniformly tapered sides draw the eye upward to the short brush up that can roll with the punches.
Lionel Messi Hairstyles: Short Modern Mullet
A more classic look, this cut takes an 80s favorite and spritzes it up a bit. A choppy fringe and full sides help to balance out the short mullet in the back.
Dyed Top and Full Beard
One of Messi’s more prolific hairstyles, this dyed look features platinum blonde tips with the hair’s natural color coming out beneath. A full (and dark) beard adds even more contrast.
Taper Fade and Brush Up
Here, Messi gets even more volume with slightly longer hair brushed upward and outward. The beard helps to add balance and enhances the symmetry of the cut.
The Classic Taper and Side Brush
While Messi experiments with his hair, he can occasionally be found with a more traditional style like this straightforward taper cut. This is another style that can withstand a ton of activity without getting ruined.
Related
Lionel Messi Hairstyles: Medium Fringe
Another simple, low maintenance hairstyle, this medium fringe cut is a bit longer in the front than Messi’s other styles. However, since the hair is roughly the same length all around, everything remains balanced.
Short Quiff
You might not think that an athlete can have a quiff, but Messi has put his own twist on it with this short yet explosive quiff. This haircut truly deserves the name Messi quiff!
The short quiff is one of Lionel Messi’s most popular hairstyles, combining volume on top with clean tapered sides. This look works best for straight to slightly wavy hair and is ideal if you want a low-maintenance yet stylish haircut. To get this style, ask your barber for a taper fade on the sides and leave 2–3 inches on top for texture and lift.
Short Tapered Hair
This cut is unusually neat for Messi thanks to the use of styling products to fix the hair in place. While the products are used to create movement, this style can easily be worn without any products or styling.
Undercut and Medium Top Crop
Messi’s worn his fair share of undercuts, and this particular undercut is rounded out by a medium length top that’s cropped but retains a fair amount of volume.
Undercut and Volumized Side-Comb
This undercut style is a nice mix of tidy and unkempt. The hair is short enough that it won’t easily go out of place, but even when that does happen, it still looks great.
Lionel Messi Hairstyles: Tips to Make the Look Your Own
Lionel Messi’s hairstyles are a masterclass in athletic elegance—sharp yet effortlessly cool, playful but structured. Whether you’re drawn to a crisp quiff, a bold undercut, or a classic taper, the key is adapting the essence of his style to suit your own look.
Adapting Messi’s Cuts for Everyday Style
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Quiff and brush-up styles add height and structure without appearing overly groomed—great for framing the face and enhancing natural movement.
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Fades and undercuts offer contrast and shine, creating a clean canvas for the rest of your style to pop.
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Subtle fringe styles, like a medium fringe or cropped top, serve as accessible, low-maintenance versions of Messi’s more sculpted cuts.
Keep It Practical and Real
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Use lightweight, matte-texture products to recreate that natural finish—skip heavy gels or pomades that can appear glued on.
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Blow-dry and finger-style to encourage natural lift and shape while maintaining flexibility.
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Opt for regular trims to keep the silhouette sharp—Messi’s style always looks intentional, not unruly.
What Is Lionel Messi’s Current Hairstyle in 2026?
As of 2026, Messi typically wears a short textured top with a low taper fade and natural finish. This style is:
- Clean and professional
- Easy to maintain
- Suitable for most hair types
It’s one of the most requested Messi haircuts today because it balances style with simplicity.
How to Get a Messi Haircut (Step-by-Step)
If you want a Messi-inspired look, here’s exactly what to do:
1. What to Tell Your Barber
Ask for:
- Low or mid taper fade
- 2–4 inches left on top
- Textured layers (not blunt cuts)
- Natural or slightly messy finish
2. Styling at Home
- Apply a matte pomade or light wax
- Use fingers instead of a comb for texture
- Blow-dry lightly for volume
3. Maintenance
- Trim every 2–3 weeks
- Keep sides clean and faded
- Avoid heavy, greasy products
Best Face Shapes for Messi Hairstyles
Different Messi haircuts suit different face shapes:
- Oval: Works with almost all Messi styles
- Square: Best with textured tops and fades
- Round: Choose volume on top (quiff or pompadour)
- Diamond: Medium-length styles work best
Best Hair Types for Messi Hairstyles
- Straight hair: Ideal for quiffs and comb-overs
- Wavy hair: Great for messy and natural styles
- Thick hair: Works well with undercuts
- Thin hair: Go for shorter textured styles
Messi Hair Evolution (Timeline)
- 2008–2010: Long, shaggy hair
- 2011–2014: Shorter, cleaner cuts
- 2016: Platinum blonde transformation
- 2018–2022: Textured styles with beard
- 2023–2026: Taper fade with natural texture
This evolution shows how Messi adapted his hairstyle to match his maturity and personal brand.
Final Thoughts
Lionel Messi’s hairstyles are the perfect mix of modern, clean, and effortless. Whether you prefer a bold blonde look or a subtle taper fade, there’s a Messi haircut for every style and personality.
If you want a safe, stylish choice, go for his modern textured crop with a taper fade—it’s trendy, versatile, and easy to maintain.
Pro Tip: Save a photo of your favorite Messi hairstyle and show it to your barber for the best results.
FAQs
What is Messi’s haircut called?
Most commonly, it’s a textured crop with a taper fade.
How do you style Messi’s hair?
Use a light styling product and keep the finish natural and slightly messy.
Does Messi have a fade?
Yes, he usually wears a low or mid taper fade.
Is Messi’s haircut good for thin hair?
Yes—short textured styles can add volume and make hair look fuller.
How often should I trim a Messi haircut?
Every 2–3 weeks to maintain the fade and shape.
