Sam Kerr’s US football girlfriend shares intimate tattoo tribute to Matildas captain

A Women’s World Cup rival has set pulses racing with an intimate tribute to Matildas star Sam Kerr after her injury heartbreak.

Kristie Mewis' tattoo tribute to Sam Kerr.

Sam Kerr shocked Australian football fans when she was ruled out of the Matildas’ FIFA World Cup opener with a calf injury.

The Matildas got the job done with a 1-0 win over Ireland in Sydney, but will have to do it again without Kerr in their next group stage game against Nigeria in Brisbane next Thursday.

Stream Over 50 Sports Live & On-Demand with Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

The striker was cheered up on Instagram by her girlfriend Kristie Mewis, who plays for the USA’s football team and is part of the squad vying for a third World Cup win in a row.

Mewis posted a photo dump on Thursday that featured a poolside bikini pic revealing an intimate detail on her body — a small tattoo that reads “baby” on her inner thigh.

In reference to a photo of Mewis’ soccer boots, Kerr commented: “Didn’t make the boots.”

Mewis gave the cheeky reply: “you made my thigh” with a wink emoji, to which Kerr responded: “sccccuzzzzimwa”.

Sam Kerr and Kristie are a football power couple. Photo: Instagram.

Kristie Mewis' 'baby' tattoo. Photo: Instagram.

The footballing power couple went public with their relationship in 2021 after they were spotted sharing a tender moment following USA’s win over Australia at the Tokyo Olympics.

After defeating the Matildas in the bronze medal, Mewis consoled Kerr with a loving embrace on the pitch.

They also shared some cute moments together on the field after a 1-1 draw in a friendly between Australia and USA in Newcastle in 2021.

If both their teams make it into the knockout stage as predicted, Kerr and Mewis could have to play each other again if Australia and USA meet from the quarterfinals onward.

The Matildas will be aiming to defeat Nigeria and Olympic champions Canada in their third match of the World Cup, which will likely decided the winner of Group A.

The Aussies will be desperate to finish on top of the group to avoid having to face European champions England first up in the round of 16.

Mewis plays for Team USA. Photo: Instagram.

Sam Kerr is out for the first two games with injury. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Kerr has been ruled out for two matches with injury and is expected to return for the game against Canada on Monday July 31.

Matildas manager Tony Gustavsson defended the decision not to reveal Kerr’s injury until just before kick-off, saying it would have advantaged Ireland to publicise it earlier.

In her absence, the Matildas found the back of the net thanks to a penalty to stand-in captain Steph Catley in the second half against Ireland.

Katrina Gorry was Australia’s best player in the midfield, but the Matildas lacked some polish in their attacking surges.

Forwards Mary Fowler and Caitlin Foord are Australia’s biggest threat in front of goal and may need to conjure some brilliance in Kerr’s absence.

Originally published as Sam Kerr’s US football girlfriend shares intimate tattoo tribute to Matildas captain