22.07.2025 22:15
Lionel Messi's unforgettable goal has been transformed into a digital artwork through Refik Anadol's AI-powered art project. The piece, which was sold for $1.8 million at a Christie's auction, will provide support for education through UNICEF.
The world-famous football player Lionel Messi's favorite goal has been transformed into an "art piece" through Refik Anadol's project "A Goal in Life".
ALL PROCEEDS WILL BE DONATED TO CHARITIES
All proceeds from the artwork created by Refik Anadol, who produces "works" in new media, will be donated to charities. In the project "A Goal in Life", Messi's header goal against Manchester United in the 2009 Champions League final is being transformed into a fully artificial intelligence-supported, multisensory experience.
SOLD FOR 1 MILLION 865 THOUSAND DOLLARS
At the moment Messi scored his "favorite goal", 17 body points were monitored by cameras, and biometric data such as breath and heart rate were processed, resulting in an immersive video installation described as a "memory temple" with a duration of 8 minutes and 16K resolution. The digital artwork, exhibited in New York from July 12 to 22, was put up for sale through an online Christie's auction. The work was sold for 1 million 865 thousand dollars at the auction.
REACHED 64.8 MILLION VIEWS
During the exhibition, approximately 3,500 visitors encountered the artwork in 10 days. There were 927 press releases related to the work, and it reached 64.8 million views. The funds raised will be allocated to education projects in Latin America and the Caribbean in collaboration with UNICEF through the Inter Miami CF Foundation.