Lionel Messi’s favorite career goal is being transformed into an AI-driven artwork by Refik Anadol, using millions of data points. The piece will debut and auction at Christie’s New York, with proceeds benefiting children’s education across Latin America and the Caribbean through UNICEF.
The piece, to be unveiled at Christie’s New York on June 11 and auctioned on July 25, features both an image of the goal and Anadol’s AI interpretation created from millions of game-related data points.
Lionel Messi, long reluctant to name a favorite goal, has revealed his choice for the first time to support this meaningful artistic and philanthropic initiative. He selected his iconic strike from the UEFA Champions League final on May 27, 2009, against Manchester United—a defining moment that secured Barcelona’s victory and cemented his legacy as one of football’s all-time greats.
Describing the AI visualization as a creative and ethical tribute to memory, emotion, and excellence, Anadol called the collaboration “an extraordinary honor” that bridges sport’s legacy with art’s future.
He shared that Messi and his team were inspired by Anadol Studio’s innovative, community-focused approach. Messi is contributing the most meaningful moment of his career to be transformed into digital art through advanced algorithms—with full consent.
Anadol highlighted transparency and ethical data use, consistent with previous projects involving institutions like the World Economic Forum, Serpentine Galleries, and Frank Gehry’s archive, all developed with the originators’ permission and engagement.
Renowned for converting vast data into immersive digital experiences, Refik Anadol and his studio created Inner Portrait with Turkish Airlines in 2024. This AI-driven work portrays four first-time travelers’ experiences, including Tuikuru from the Yawanawa tribe, whose brain activity was recorded in Tokyo to craft an artwork contrasting his serene homeland with the city’s vibrant energy.
Later this year, Anadol will open the world’s first AI art museum, DATALAND.
