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    Emotional Lionel Messi reacts to Argentina pal Nicolas Otamendi’s ‘more than special’ tattoo after World Cup win

    LIONEL MESSI hailed a “more than special” tattoo Argentina team-mate Nicolas Otamendi has had inked to celebrate their World Cup triumph.Lionel Scaloni’s side are still flying high after their glorious triumph in Qatar back in December.
    Lionel Messi (L) and Nicolas Otamendi (R) both played key roles in Argentina’s World Cup successCredit: EPA
    The defender now has a tattoo of his legendary team-mateCredit: Instagram
    Following a thrilling 3-3 draw with France, Argentina held their nerve in the shootout to win the World Cup for the first time since 1986.
    A huge party back in the South American nation ensued for several days after they returned home with the trophy.
    They returned to action last week in front of INCREDIBLE scenes at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires that left Messi fighting back the tears.
    The 36-year-old Paris Saint-Germain then helped fire them to a 2-0 win over Panama by scoring a free-kick.
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    He then followed that up with a hat-trick in Wednesday’s 7-0 thrashing of Curacao.
    Meanwhile, defender Otamendi also played a key role as part of Scaloni’s backline at the World Cup and played every minute at the tournament.
    The 35-year-old recently shared a clip of himself receiving his latest tattoos on Instagram.
    And one of his inkworks was of Messi with his hand over the World Cup trophy and another of him doing his iconic celebration.
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    It did not take long for the legend to see his international colleagues’ grand gesture.
    And on Instagram Stories he replied to the ex-Manchester City ace’s tribute.
    Messi wrote: “I saw a lot of spectacular things that were done to because of the World Cup, but that a colleague, a friend like Otamendi getting this tattoo is something more than special!!! Thank you very much Ota!”
    Messi provided his response to the inkwork on InstagramCredit: Getty More

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    Jake Paul shows off brand new tattoo collection including full leg sleeve with angel and massive tiger on his foot

    JAKE PAUL has shown off his new set of tattoos, including an angel sleeve on his leg.The social media star turned-boxer also got a tiger inked onto his foot.
    Jake Paul has had a lot of new tattoosCredit: INSTAGRAM
    He showed off his new body art on InstagramCredit: INSTAGRAM
    The designs include a leg sleeve of an angelCredit: INSTAGRAM
    As well as a tiger’s face on his footCredit: INSTAGRAM
    He shared images of the tattoo preparation on Instagram in a post to his 22.4million followers captioned “a week in review”.
    And then, he posted the completed work onto his Instagram story.
    The work is extremely detailed and shows a warrior skeleton and a moth before going to an angel set on a cloudy background.
    The body art then continues into a tiger’s face on the boxer’s foot.
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    Paul already has plenty of tattoos and caused confusion during his defeat to Tommy Fury after one of his designs was missing.
    He had got a blue raspberry Au Vodka bottle tattooed onto his arm which after a wager with BBC DJ Charlie Sloth, who owns the drinks company.
    However, fans could not spot the design during his fight with Fury, leading some to question if it was real.
    Meanwhile, Paul recently slammed KSI as “insecure” after broadcaster Wade Plemons was sacked from Misfits Boxing amid a furious row.
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    It did not take long for Paul to interject in the feud – which he is partially involved in – to back Plemons.
    He tweeted: “Such insecure clowns. Wade is quality. Plays it down the middle.
    “Says things about me I don’t like, but that just means he’s keeping his opinions real. Now back to my vacation.” More

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    Ex-Chelsea star Kenedy reveals shock new look after getting huge tattoo on top of his head

    FORMER Chelsea ace Kenedy has revealed a bold new look after getting a tattoo of Jesus on his HEAD.The Brazilian winger, 27, had been on the Blues’ books for seven years after arriving for a fee of £6.3million from Fluminense.
    Ex-Chelsea ace Kenedy has revealed a new tattoo of Jesus on his headCredit: Instagram

    But he made just 30 appearances for Chelsea during that period and scored just three goals.
    He has spent most of his time away on loan having spells at Watford and Newcastle.
    In total he went out on loan five times – including last season when he was back in his homeland playing for Flamengo.
    However, the Samba star is hoping to finally put down firm foundations in one location following last summer’s move to newly-promoted Real Valladolid – who are owned by Brazilian legend Ronaldo.
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    He has suffered a difficult start to life in LaLiga, where he has previous experience following loan stints with Getafe and Granada, due to fitness issues.
    Two groin injuries have limited him to just four cameo appearances so far this season.
    Now it looks like he is hoping for some help from above in order to get back on track with an incredible piece of ink work.
    The club’s Twitter account revealed Kenedy’s latest tattoo, which covers his full head, showing the image of Jesus.
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    That joins the long-list of ink works he already has on both arms and legs.
    And after the image of him back in training was shared, one fan commented: “Mamma Mia, more ink than a squid.”
    Another asked: “Could this guy be any more tattooed?”
    While another tweeted: “I love this head very much, I hope Valladolid is saved.”
    Valladolid are currently sitting 16th in LaLiga, two points and two places above the drop zone with 12 matches to go.
    Kenedy left Chelsea for Real Valladolid last summerCredit: Getty More

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    I fought Mike Tyson, inspired him to get face tattoo, and sent to prison for attempted murder before becoming a painter

    MIKE TYSON’S career was nothing short of a rollercoaster – but perhaps his strangest opponent was a man nicknamed “The Black Rhino”.Iron Mike was undoubtedly on a downward spiral in 2003 when he stepped into the ring on February 22 in Memphis.
    Clifford Etienne now has a new passion in prison after retiring from boxingCredit: Getty
    Mike Tyson knocked out the ‘Black Rhino’ in just 49 seconds in 2003Credit: AFP
    Iron Mike got his iconic facial tattoo just a week before what transpired to be his final victoryCredit: Getty
    Clifford Etienne was jailed three years later and became an artist on the insideCredit: AFP
    He faced fringe contender Clifford Etienne and knocked him out in just 49 seconds – despite claiming he had a broken back.
    The pre-fight was marred by rumours of the then 36-year-old’s fitness with allegations that he sacked off his training camp in order to party in Las Vegas.
    And he even took time out to get his now iconic facial tattoo just a week before the bout.
    Despite all of that, and “The Baddest Man on the Planet” cancelling the fight before changing his mind, the legend still claimed what would be his final ever victory between the ropes.
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    He filed for bankruptcy soon afterwards but the American has since gone on to bounce back with his highly-profitable cannabis farm, several Hollywood movie appearances and his comeback to the ring against Roy Jones Jr in 2020.
    But while he has rebuilt his life, his opponent that night also hit rock bottom but now has a new passion since being JAILED.
    Etienne, now 53, is serving a 105-year prison sentence in Louisiana for armed robbery, kidnapping, and attempted murder of a police officer after being convicted in 2006.
    The ex-heavyweight, who retired with a record of 29 wins, two draws and four losses, discovered a love of painting while in the joint.
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    Lynn O’Shea handles Etienne’s business affairs and she revealed to TMZ how art has saved his life behind bars.
    She said: “He’s amazing. He took painting serious inside and after he earned trustee status he was actually able to become the warden’s artist and sleep in his paint room.
    “That kept him away from all the drama in gen pop.
    “The city of New Orleans bought one that hangs in a district police department, if you can believe that.”
    However, life has not always been a pretty picture for the artist on the inside.
    Back in 2015 he was transferred to a new prison after he was attacked and nearly killed in in his paint room.
    O’Shea added: “Things slowed down after the attack. He used to make all his own canvas and stuff to paint on … but now he’s locked down.
    “I’m hoping some friends from his past life as a boxer can help him out.” More

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    Arsenal star Ben White’s tattoos revealed, from butterfly on back and romantic heart on thumb to THROAT inkings

    ARSENAL star Ben White is committed to body ink.The England defender, 25, has several tattoos adorning his chiselled body.
    Ben White’s body is adorned in tattoos
    His most recent bit of work is a butterfly etched on his back by A Star Tattoos, which trended on TikTok.
    In the summer, he showed off matching ‘I Love You’ tats with fiancee Milly Adams that they had done shortly after their engagement.
    While, written on his neck is the word ‘Shine’ in a smart black font.
    SunSport takes a look at his tattoos, and what they they could mean.
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    Butterfly
    Written underneath an inspiring message on his back, White introduced a butterfly to his torso.
    Although the meaning hasn’t been disclosed, it could certainly signify the idea of soaring high.
    Like his football team, Ben is flying at the moment.
    It was created by A Star Tattoos – a side business of A Star Barbers – who famously trim Jack Grealish and Paul Pogba.
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    White is a regular with them, and they have created several for him.
    This Butterfly tattoo is White’s most recent
    Shine
    An inspiring word, White’s body is covered in positive messages.
    And on his neck he has the word ‘Shine’ inscribed.
    Next to that, there’s a small cross.
    We don’t know if White is religious – but when he grew up in Dorset he went to school Queen Elizabeth’s, which preaches strong Church of England ethics.
    White’s neck tattoo is visible from a game last month
    White has the word ‘Shine’ written on his neck next to a cross
    Lion
    A massive tattoo of a lion’s eyes stretches across White’s chest.
    The lion is a popular tattoo for professional footballers – with the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Memphis Depay sporting them.
    Again, it symbolises bravery and strength.
    It was a tattoo that seemingly inspired his Arsenal team-mate Emile Smith Rowe, who later got a lion sleeve on his arm.

    Tattoos of lions – seen here across White’s pecs – are popular with footballers
    Matching ink
    Last summer, White got engaged to stunning fiancee Milly Adams.
    The loved-up couple celebrated by getting matching ‘I Love You’ messages written on their hands.
    Shortly after, they were spotted enjoying a romantic holiday in an unknown sun-drenched location.
    While aboard a rented yacht, they showed off a new set of matching designs.
    This time, they both had super-cute hearts on their thumbs.
    Also on Ben’s hand you will find his star sign – Libra, as well as the date 1959.
    That could be the year a relative was born, although it’s not clear.
    White and fiancee Milly Adams have two matching tattoos
    On their thumbs White and Adams have red hearts
    A Libra star sign symbol and the date 1959 also feature on White’s handCredit: Instagram @ milly_adams
    Born to do it
    Another easily identifiable tattoo features on White’s back.
    Just below his neck, he has the year 1997 inked on him.
    That signifies the year he was born.
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    White, at 25, has plenty of years of football ahead of him.
    And that also means, he still has more time to get even more ink.
    1997 on the base of White’s neck symbolises the year the Arsenal star was born More

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    ‘Grandma went ballistic’ – Newcastle fan’s regret after getting tattoo saying Magpies won cup BEFORE losing to Man Utd

    A BUNGLING Newcastle fan has been left red-faced after getting a “Cup Winners” tattoo BEFORE losing at Wembley.Kris Cook, 31, had the four-inch design etched on to his left leg three days prior to Sunday’s 2-0 Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester United.
    Newcastle fan Kris Cook shocked his grandma with his new tattooCredit: SWNS
    He got ‘cup winners’ inked on his leg before the defeat to Manchester UnitedCredit: SWNS
    Despite now having a permanent reminder of the “disappointing” loss, defiant Kris insists he has no regrets about his decision – and his mates found it hilarious.
    The tatt reads in full: “Tell me ma me ma, NUFC Cup winners 26/02/23” and was done “for a laugh” during one sitting.
    Dad-of-one Kris, from Northumberland, said: “I got it done last Thursday, three days before the cup final.
    “I was going in for a day session at the tattoo place anyway to get a sleeve done and then decided last minute to get the Newcastle tattoo on my leg too.
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    “It was all for a laugh and I had mentioned to my mates that I might get it done, but they were shocked when I went through with it.
    “The tattoo is about four inches wide and four inches long and is just above my knee on my left leg.
    “It took about ten minutes to do and was thrown in with the £400 cost of booking the tattooist out for the day to have my arm sleeve done.
    “The tattoo is a Newcastle chant from the 90s and one we sing at St James’ Park.
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    “I don’t regret getting it done at all. I might do when I’m older but for now, I just think it’s funny.”
    The tattoo did not go down quite so well with his family, with his grandma particularly angry about it.
    Kris, who works in sales, added: “My eight-year-old daughter Honey thinks it’s funny and my mum is not fussed but my gran hates it.
    “She has always been anti-tattoos and I am covered in them. I think the Newcastle United one was just a step too far for her.
    “The girl who does my tattoos is from Sunderland so she probably enjoyed it that little bit more.”
    ‘STILL VERY PROUD’
    Kris and his mates made the 280-mile journey down to London for Newcastle’s first major final in 24 years.
    He watched the match at Boxpark near to Wembley Stadium as goals from Casemiro and Marcus Rashford ended Toon’s hopes of a first major trophy since 1969.
    But Kris insisted he was still proud of Eddie Howe’s boys.
    He added: “I can’t remember much of the match if I’m honest as me and my friends had been drinking all day and celebrating so the initial defeat didn’t hit me.
    “I am disappointed that we didn’t win but I am so proud of the team for getting to Wembley and we will be back.
    “Give Newcastle a few years and we will start winning lots of things.
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    “I have always been a Newcastle fan and I think Geordie football is drilled into you from such a young age.
    “I am still very proud of my team despite the outcome.”
    Kris admitted he cannot remember much of the gameCredit: SWNS
    This was Newcastle’s first final for 24 yearsCredit: PA More

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    Mystery over Jake Paul’s missing £200,000 tattoo during Tommy Fury fight after bet with BBC DJ Charlie Sloth

    FANS are all questioning where Jake Paul’s new £206,000 tattoo was during his fight against Tommy Fury.Paul got the inking of a blue raspberry Au Vodka bottle which after a wager with BBC DJ Charlie Sloth, who owns the drinks company.
    Jake Paul got an Au Vodka tattoo before his fight with Tommy FuryCredit: YouTube – @Au Vodka
    Charlie Sloth offered Paul £206,000 to get the tattooCredit: Credit: Getty – Contributor
    However it could not be seen during the boutCredit: Getty
    Sloth has teamed up with co-owner Charlie Morgan, the Swansea City ballboy who was kicked by Eden Hazard in 2013.
    Paul was visited by Sloth after his training camp in Dubai less than a fortnight before his defeat to Tommy Fury.
    Sloth challenged Paul to get the tattoo in exchange for £206,000.
    Paul took on the challenge and got the design inked on to his skin on a rooftop in Dubai.
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    He posted a video of the occasion on YouTube while he could also be seen sipping on the drink.
    However fans could not spot the design during his fight with Fury, leading to some to question if it was real.
    One joked: “Tommy Fury must have given one hell of a punch last night… His tattoo fell off.”
    A second wrote: “Jake Paul, what happened to your Au Vodka tattoo last night? It just disappeared.”
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    A third tweeted: “Where did it go?”
    Another took a swipe at the company as they said: “Jake Paul’s tattoo did the exact same thing the labels on their bottles do, insane attention to detail in my opinion.”
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    A fifth commented: “Erm I’m watching the fight and all I’m thinking is where the f*** is the tattoo??”
    Paul lost the boxing match by split decision with two out of the three judges scoring it 76-73 in Fury’s favour.
    However, he didn’t seem too phased by the result when he took to social media just hours later to reveal how much money he made from the event.
    Paul posted a video on his Instagram story of himself switching from fake-crying to laughing with a caption that read: “When you lost but made $30m.” More

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    ‘His memory drives me on’ – Leicester’s new £15m man Harry Souttar’s incredible tattoo in tribute to late brother

    SOCCEROOS World Cup star Harry Souttar will square up to Marcus Rashford at Old Trafford today with the image of his late brother Aaron etched on his left arm.And the memory of giving Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe a run for their money as a reminder that he belongs on the big stage.
    Harry Souttar shows off a tattoo of his late brother
    Leicester new boy Souttar faces off against Man Utd on Sunday
    Souttar may have been born in Aberdeen and raised in Luthermuir, near Brechin, where his dad Jack played  professionally for Brechin City.
    But when Australia came calling, the 24-year-old opted for the land of his mum Heather, who was born and raised in Western Australia.
    It’s why he also proudly has a tattoo of the Australian crest with his official Socceroos number —  international No 606 — inked on his calf.
    But it is the image of his cherished brother Aaron, who sadly passed away following a brave battle with Motor Neurone Disease in July 2022, which spurred Souttar to new heights in Qatar.
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    The 6ft 6in stopper helped Australia make it to the last 16 before going down fighting 2-1 to Lionel Messi’s Argentina.
    And ahead of today’s trip to the Theatre of Dreams, Leicester’s new £15million signing from Stoke revealed how having Aaron’s image on his arm inspires him.
    Souttar said: “I had the tattoo done a month or two after his passing.
    “It is just him golfing at St Andrews. He was a massive golfer, he was club captain at the local club in Brechin, near where we grew up.
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    “St Andrews was his favourite course. His memory drives me on massively since he passed.
    “Before all the games at the World Cup my dad would just give me a text and say, ‘Aaron would be wanting three points  or a win tonight’.
    “Even before the Tottenham game last weekend he gave me a  text just to say, ‘He’ll  want a win on your home debut’.
    “I’ve got the tattoo on my arm so that he’ll always be with me.“He would have been so proud to have seen me play at a World Cup or at Old Trafford now.
    “Before one of our games, the Aussie boss Graham Arnold did a great speech about who you are doing it for.
    “It was pretty simple for me who I was doing it for.”
    Aaron’s tragic death came during one of the toughest times in Souttar’s young career as the former Potters defender faced a year sidelined by injury after rupturing his cruciate ligament during a World Cup qualifier for the Aussies.
    He revealed the horror moment he feared his World Cup dream was over.
    Souttar said: “It happened in Sydney against Saudi Arabia. I went to block a shot, he feinted and moved,  I tried to go again and it just gave way and popped.
    “The physios wanted to see if it was stable and my kneecap was going halfway down my shin and halfway up my thigh, so I knew something was bad!”
    Proud Souttar has his international number etched on his calf
    The Foxes splashed £15m on transfer deadline day for Souttar
    That’s when Harry was able to turn to his other brother John for expert advice.
    The 26-year-old Rangers and Scotland star has been plagued by a string of career-threatening injuries but somehow keeps battling back.
    John’s career hung in the balance when he ruptured his Achilles — both his right, then left —  keeping him out for six months at a time.
    He also had to endure ankle and hip operations during his time with Dundee United and Hearts before suffering a THIRD Achilles injury.
    John somehow managed to fight back from those setbacks and is now edging closer to full fitness with Rangers.
    Souttar added: “John had a horrendous time. I’ve only gone through a small percentage of what he’s gone through, he’s one of the strongest people I’ve ever met mentally.
    “My older brother passing during my injury made me and John a lot closer. He’s been a massive help to me.
    “He said right at the start, ‘If you’re ever feeling down, just write your thoughts down. No need to share it with anyone —  just write what you’re feeling  and in a month’s time have a look’.
    “Everyone is different but for me, that really worked.“At the start everyone says there’s going to be down periods but I thought, ‘I’ll sail through it, I’ll be fine’.
    “However, there were some challenging moments and he helped me a lot.
    Harry Souttar looks up to older brother John who stars for Rangers
    6ft6in Souttar has starred for Leicester since his move from Stoke City
    “It’s not something I would share with anyone. It was just private stuff I felt at that time and that I felt I needed to write down. It helped me.”
    Souttar refused to flick through the pages of his inspirational ledger during the World Cup, after battling back to full fitness  on the back of just one warm-up game. He added: “I didn’t bring that book out, purely because I wanted it to be in the past.
    “It helped me through the months I was injured but, once I was back fit, I just wanted to look forward.
    “When will I look at it? Well, touch wood I won’t get injured again!”
    Souttar, who admits he’s had to cut down on his favourite snack of chicken nuggets now that he is a Premier League player, says facing up to Messi and  Mbappe in Qatar has given him the confidence to face in-form Rashford.
    But  he did not try to swap shirts with either of his superstar opponents.
    He explained: “If there was one player I would have wanted to swap with, then it would have been Messi.
    “But, unfortunately, one of the other lads got to him first!“He’s probably the greatest  that has ever played the game.
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    Souttar grapples with Lionel Messi during Australia’s World Cup clash with Argentina
    “I watched loads of clips of him and I planned to do this and do that. But  he’s just unstoppable!”
      LEICESTER (likely): Ward, Castagne, Souttar, Faes, Kristiansen, Mendy, Maddison, Dewsbury-Hall, Tete, Iheanacho, Barnes. More