Messi and Refik Anadol Turn Iconic Goal into Immersive AI Art for Christie’s Charity Auction

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Still from the motion-based artwork Living Memory: Messi – A Goal in Life. Image courtesy of Christie’s.

Messi NFT “Living Memory: Messi – A Goal in Life”

When football legend Lionel Messi and media artist Refik Anadol join forces, the result is a cultural phenomenon that transcends boundaries. Their collaborative piece, “Living Memory: Messi – A Goal in Life,” will be auctioned online via Christie’s from July 8–24, 2025. All proceeds will benefit the Inter Miami CF Foundation and UNICEF, supporting educational initiatives for children across five countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Where Two Worlds Meet

This groundbreaking artwork was created by Refik Anadol, a pioneer in AI-driven art who is widely recognized for transforming data and machine intelligence into sensory experiences. For this project, he sourced biometric data and emotional memory from one of the most iconic moments in Messi’s 20-year career—his legendary header during the 70th minute of the 2009 UEFA Champions League Final. Assisted by teammate Xavi Hernández’s precise cross, Messi’s goal led FC Barcelona to a 2–0 victory over Manchester United.

Anadol has translated that fleeting moment into an 8-minute immersive digital sculpture that merges the essence of football, technology, and contemporary art into a single visual symphony.

Still from the motion-based artwork Living Memory: Messi – A Goal in Life. Image courtesy of Christie’s.

A Collector’s Dream—With NFT

The work is offered as a unique edition, accompanied by one Artist Proof and a non-fungible token (NFT). The NFT will include a certificate of authenticity signed by both Messi and Anadol. Technical details such as the Smart Contract Address, Token ID, and Wallet Address remain pending and will be announced by Christie’s in due course.

Still from the motion-based artwork Living Memory: Messi – A Goal in Life. Image courtesy of Christie’s.

Exhibition and Auction Details: Living Memory: Messi – A Goal in Life

Christie’s will unveil the piece on June 11, 2025, followed by an online auction running from July 8 to 24. As previously noted, all proceeds will go to the Inter Miami CF Foundation and UNICEF. U.S.-based collectors may also be eligible for a tax deduction on the amount paid above the mid-estimate valuation, making this not only a cultural acquisition but also a socially meaningful investment.

Story by Tae Art Man