If you ask any football player to name their favorite goal, they’ll often say it’s like choosing between their children—each one holds a special significance. Fortunately, Lionel Messi, a maestro on and off the pitch, has consistently made the right choices throughout his storied career. Now, the celebrated World Cup-winning Argentinian is venturing into the world of digital art.
He has partnered with acclaimed Turkish-American digital artist Refik Anadol to encapsulate a goal and create a remarkable experience influenced by Messi’s physical and emotional state. The goal in focus is his unforgettable header during Barcelona’s 2-0 victory over Manchester United in the 2009 Champions League final held in Rome. Given that Messi has scored over 860 goals throughout his illustrious career with Argentina, Barcelona, Paris St. Germain, and now Inter Miami, this particular moment stands out among countless magical instances.
Celebrating a Moment in Ultra-High Definition
Beyond being a treasured collector’s item, Messi’s selection is likely to become a popular topic in pub quizzes. The artwork, titled Goal for Life, is described as a “unique masterpiece that transcends traditional art, transforming past experiences into emotional, multisensory narratives.”
At the core of this work is what Anadol refers to as the “architecture of action.” Using an open-source motion-tracking framework, he mapped 17 points of Messi’s body to recreate his physical form and kinetic expression. This was augmented with biometric data, including voice recordings, breathing patterns, heartbeat rhythms, and emotional nuances gathered from interviews, culminating in a powerful soundscape that reflects Messi’s state of mind at that pivotal moment.
The final creation is an eight-minute “memory temple,” as Anadol calls it, rendered in 16K resolution and presented as a fully immersive experience. Viewers are invited to engage deeply with the artwork, forging an emotional connection with Messi while revisiting their own memories of that iconic goal.
“For me, this project is about transforming the data from Messi’s favorite goal into a living memory—something unprecedented,” said Anadol. “We’ve harnessed millions of data points—visuals, sounds, physiological signals—transforming one of football’s milestone moments into an unparalleled artistic experience. This isn’t simply about nostalgia; it’s about capturing the essence of that fleeting instant—how Messi felt, how the crowd reacted, and its significance to the world. This AI Data Sculpture reimagines our engagement with memory through art.”
“It’s an honor to collaborate with the Inter Miami Foundation for a meaningful cause,” Messi expressed. “This project holds tremendous significance for me, not just as a reflection of a key moment in my career, but also because it allows us to improve the lives of those in need through the unique vision of an artist like Refik.”
“This distinctive artwork explores the connection between sport, artificial intelligence, and collective memory—transforming data into emotion and memory into physical form,” explained Ximena Caminos, the project curator. “Anadol has transformed Messi’s historic goal into a true time capsule, magnifying a significant moment in football and inviting viewers to immerse themselves in that memory. For nearly a decade, he has pioneered a new artistic language that makes memory tangible, empathy spatial, and art a gateway to shared understanding. It’s thrilling to see this vision expand into the realm of sports.”
The highest bidder for this remarkable piece will receive it in digital format alongside a certificate of authenticity signed by both Messi and Anadol. Proceeds from the auction will support various nonprofit organizations, including the Inter Miami CF Foundation’s global partnership with UNICEF, which focuses on enhancing access to quality educational programs across five countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.
