Emiliano Martínez has paid a special tribute to Lionel Messi by shaving an “M” into the back of his head ahead of the forward’s scheduled final appearance for the national team.
The haircut, shared through photos and video from Argentina’s camp on October 6, 2026, was created by Daniel Alejandro Albornoz, the squad’s longtime barber. Martínez, popularly known as Dibu, posted the result himself, ending the clip by blowing a kiss towards the camera.
The design features a stylised letter “M” high on the back of Martínez’s head, resembling the mark associated with Messi’s personal brand. The gesture came on the eve of Argentina’s planned farewell to their captain at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.
Martínez Chooses a Special Way to Honour Messi
The timing of Martínez’s haircut made the tribute particularly significant.
Messi was scheduled to feature in Argentina’s friendly against Benin on October 7, with the match expected to mark his final appearance in the Albiceleste shirt. The fixture was set to close the first international break following the 2026 World Cup.
According to the supplied report, the haircut was among several gestures taking place within the Argentine camp ahead of the occasion. Players had recorded messages, while the Argentine Football Association had organised post-match ceremonies.
Martínez has also developed a habit of using distinctive haircuts as personal expressions around major football occasions. Previous designs have referenced the Argentine flag and tournament-specific symbols.
His decision to use Messi’s signature mark therefore fits a familiar pattern, while giving the tribute a personal connection to one of his closest teammates in the national setup.
A Relationship Built Through Argentina’s Biggest Moments
Martínez and Messi have shared some of the most important moments in Argentina’s recent football history.
Since Martínez became the national team’s first-choice goalkeeper, the pair have been part of Argentina’s rise to the top of international football. Martínez started the 2022 FIFA World Cup final, which Messi captained, and produced decisive saves during the penalty shoot-out as Argentina defeated France to lift the trophy.
Their connection has extended beyond the pitch, with Martínez repeatedly speaking publicly about his relationship with Messi in both professional and personal terms.
The haircut carries added significance because Martínez was present during Messi’s World Cup triumph and remained alongside him as the forward approached his planned international farewell.
Although their club careers have taken them in different directions, with Martínez representing Aston Villa and Messi playing for Inter Miami, international duty has continued to bring them together.
Fans React to the Messi-Inspired Haircut
Images and video of Martínez’s new haircut circulated on social media ahead of Argentina’s match against Benin.
Messi fan pages shared the design as a sign of the respect and admiration the captain commands among his teammates. Football accounts that typically focus on match analysis also circulated the images.
The reaction remained largely light-hearted, with attention centred on the gesture itself rather than any wider announcement.
Neither the Argentine Football Association nor Messi had issued an official statement specifically addressing the haircut in the immediate aftermath of the images appearing.
For now, the tribute stands as a personal gesture from a teammate who has shared some of Argentina’s defining football moments with Messi.
An Emotional Moment Before Messi’s Argentina Farewell
If the scheduled fixture against Benin proves to be Messi’s final appearance for Argentina, Martínez’s haircut will be one of the small but memorable gestures surrounding the occasion.
Messi’s influence on the national team extends far beyond his performances and records. His leadership helped Argentina win the 2022 World Cup, and his relationship with teammates has remained a central part of the team’s identity.
Martínez’s tribute reflects that bond, using a simple letter to recognise the player who has shared the dressing room with him through some of the most significant chapters in Argentine football.
As Argentina prepared for the farewell celebrations in Buenos Aires, the goalkeeper’s new haircut offered another glimpse of the affection Messi commands within the squad.
Esther Afriyie Kumah is the Digital Media & Operations Manager and a writer AL Media Sports, the sports division of AL Media Group. She specializes in sports journalism, content and video production, covering Premier League, Champions League, La Liga, and African football with in-depth match reports, tactical analysis, player ratings, and expert insights.