Messi and Refik Anadol Blend Art and Football

New York has become the center of a unique cultural moment thanks to Living Memory: Messi – A Goal in Life, a digital art piece created by renowned artist Refik Anadol to pay tribute to Lionel Messi’s favorite goal. Since its unveiling at Rockefeller Center, thousands of visitors have flocked to experience the piece, which has sparked worldwide interest for both its artistic and humanitarian value.

The artwork was created in collaboration with Messi and presented at Christie’s New York headquarters. It focuses on the legendary header that Messi scored during the 2009 UEFA Champions League final against Manchester United. Using artificial intelligence, biometric data, and kinetic visualization, Anadol transformed that iconic moment into an immersive eight-minute multisensory experience.

High-Stakes Charity Auction

The piece will be auctioned online via messixrefik.christies.com, with the bidding set to close on Tuesday, July 22 at 10:00 a.m. (Miami time). Organized by Christie’s, the auction has already drawn multimillion-dollar offers and major attention from both the sports and art communities.

Proceeds from the sale will go toward charitable initiatives led by the Inter Miami CF Foundation in partnership with UNICEF, aimed at providing access to quality education across five countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Messi himself shared his excitement: “The moment has come: you can now see the incredible digital artwork Refik created based on my favorite goal. I think the result is spectacular and very special to me. I hope it helps a lot of people,” he posted on social media.

A Tribute Ahead of the 2026 World Cup

Described by its creator as a “temple of memory,” the installation also serves as a symbolic prelude to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted in the United States. Beyond sports, the artwork reflects football’s collective emotional power and its deep human impact.

A moment of brilliance on the pitch has now been transformed into a lasting piece of art that not only celebrates a legendary goal but also contributes to changing lives around the world.