Lionel Messi has thrilled the football world with his numerous goals. Now, the superstar is choosing his personal favorite goal.
Lionel Messi has scored many important and beautiful goals in his career. Now, as part of an art project by the Inter Miami CF Foundation, the superstar himself has decided which was his most beautiful goal.
“I have scored many goals that were perhaps even more beautiful and valuable – also because of their importance – but the header in the Champions League final against Manchester United has always been my favorite goal,” explained the Argentinian.
Lionel Messi scored in the 2009 CL final
Messi had definitively decided the game against the Red Devils (2-0) with the spectacular header in the CL final in May 2009. With one of his few headed goals in his career, he crowned a strong season for the Catalans at the time. FC Barcelona won the treble in that season.
Messi Goal Baces a Work of Art
Now, 16 years later, this goal selected by Messi himself will become a work of art. The chosen goal is transformed into art by pioneering artist Refik Anadol using millions of data points. The Turkish-American artist is known for his work with artificial intelligence and data.
Messi was full of anticipation: “I already knew how special Refik Anadol’s work is, and after we were able to meet in Miami, I am very excited to see how he can transform a goal – a moment in sport – into a unique work of art, as he usually does.”
Messi met with the artist in person to talk about the goal and his thoughts. The material from the previously unreleased conversation will be exhibited in the future together with the artwork.
Proceeds Benefit Charitable Project
“Leo Messi’s goal is more than a decisive moment in sport – it is a complex expression of human intention, memory and movement,” artist Anadol is quoted as saying in the press release.
The project is also incredibly special because it shows the progress of artificial intelligence, which is used as a tool to create art.
As part of the Inter Miami CF Foundation’s “A Goal in Life” charity campaign, the artwork will be auctioned by the world’s leading auction house Christie’s.
The proceeds will benefit projects for “educational justice and opportunities for needy children and communities,” Anadol is pleased to say.