During a Champions League match between Paris Saint-Germain and Benfica on February 17, 2026, Benfica defender Nicolás Otamendi deliberately displayed a tattoo of Lionel Messi to Vinícius Júnior, sparking a brief on-field exchange.
The incident occurred during the second leg of the round of 16 tie. Otamendi, an Argentinian international, showed the tattoo – depicting Messi lifting the 2022 FIFA World Cup trophy – to Vinícius Júnior, a Brazilian forward for PSG. The gesture appeared intended as a provocation, referencing Argentina’s victory over Brazil and Messi’s triumph over Vinícius Júnior’s nation in the recent World Cup final.
The display followed Argentina’s recent 1-0 victory over Brazil in a 2026 World Cup qualifying match on February 16, 2026, a game in which Lionel Messi did not participate. Argentina secured their place in the 2026 World Cup with the win, fueled by goals from Julian Alvarez and Enzo Fernandez, according to reports. The match marked a significant moment for the Argentinian national team, demonstrating their ability to perform strongly even without their captain.
Otamendi’s gesture is particularly noteworthy given the ongoing rivalry between Argentina and Brazil in South American football. The 2022 World Cup final, won by Argentina, was a highly contested match, and the subsequent qualifying match further intensified the competition between the two nations. The display of the Messi tattoo can be interpreted as a continuation of this rivalry, and a deliberate attempt to unsettle Vinícius Júnior.
As of February 18, 2026, neither Vinícius Júnior nor representatives from either Paris Saint-Germain or Benfica have publicly commented on the incident. The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has not announced any investigation into Otamendi’s actions.
