Global football icon Lionel Messi will select his favorite goal from his entire career, which artist and contemporary art pioneer Refik Anadol will transform into an unprecedented work of art
Leo Messi has scored over 800 goals throughout his career, the most recent just days ago against Minnesota in the MLS. Many were pivotal in achieving his milestones or creating historic moments; some are remembered for their beauty, others for their brilliance. Some were scored in the jersey of the Argentina national team; others with FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, or Inter Miami CF. Each holds a special place in the hearts of fans worldwide.
Much has been said and debated about the most standout goals of his career, whether for their achievements or unique aesthetics. Now, for the first time, Leo Messi himself will choose his personal favorite goal. He’ll do so for an artistic and charitable project unlike anything seen before in the history of football and art.
The chosen goal will be revealed globally on the Inter Miami CF Foundation‘s social media on May 22 at 11:00 a.m. ET, immortalized through an unprecedented collaboration with Refik Anadol, a defining figure in 21st-century art, whose data-sculpted creations have redefined the boundaries between art and technology.
The proceeds from this historic initiative-expected to break fundraising records-will support charitable projects, including a partnership between the Inter Miami CF Foundation (IMCFF) and UNICEF to promote access to quality education programs for children in five Latin American and Caribbean countries.
The final artwork, to be officially unveiled in New York on June 11 by the world’s leading auction house, Christie’s, will be co-signed by both artists and consist of two interconnected elements: the purest visual representation of Messi’s chosen goal and Anadol’s artistic interpretation, generated from millions of data points tied to that moment.
“Choosing just one goal from all of them is very difficult; each one is special, and some are very important or bring back incredible memories. But picking one as my favorite for the first time to make this unique project possible is worth it. There’s a powerful purpose behind it, and I’m thrilled to be part of it,” said Leo Messi.
Refik Anadol added: “It’s an extraordinary honor to join forces with Leo Messi-one of the greatest athletes of our time-in a project supporting nonprofit organizations, including UNICEF, that unites the emotional legacy of sports with the future of art. At Refik Anadol Studio, we’ve always believed in the power of data to tell deeply human stories. Using AI to visualize the memory of Messi’s favorite goal is both a creative and ethical endeavor: celebrating emotion, memory, and excellence.”
“Education is the fuel of dreams. That’s why, at Inter Miami, we’re committed to supporting programs that provide access to education for all,” said Jorge Mas, managing owner of Inter Miami CF. “We’re excited to see the beauty of Leo’s favorite goal through Refik’s artistic lens. This innovative collaboration brings together the world’s best footballer and a renowned artist to create a unique piece that will benefit our educational initiatives. It will truly be an unparalleled work of art.”
Led by the Inter Miami CF Foundation, the A Goal in Life project-for which the Foundation invited Leo Messi and Refik Anadol to participate-features creative direction by Xavier Roca and artistic curation by renowned art expert Ximena Caminos. The auction will conclude on July 25 at Christie’s New York.
A unique story begins today, narrated with the unmistakable voice of Guillermo Francella in the Spanish version and the iconic narration of Morgan Freeman in the English version.
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