Many of soccer legend Lionel Messi’s more than 850 goals (and counting) inspire TV commentators’ awe-struck comparisons to the arts, science and magic — a Stradivarius violin, a bending of physics or a work that should be hung in a museum.
Now, an artist will turn one of the goals — Messi will choose his career favorite — into a digital artwork that will be unveiled at Christie’s in New York City on June 11 as part of an auction that closes on July 25, according to Inter Miami CF, the Major League Soccer team Messi now plays for in the United States. Artist Refik Anadol, known for his “data-sculpted creations,” will “turn it into a one-of-a-kind artwork,” Inter Miami’s website said. Auction proceeds will go to charitable projects.
The piece Christie’s will unveil, according to Inter Miami, “will bear the signature of both artists and will consist of two interconnected elements: the purest visual representation of the goal chosen by Messi, and Anadol’s artistic interpretation generated from the millions of data points linked to that moment.”Before that, Messi’s goal choice will be made public on the Inter Miami CF Foundation’s social media on May 22, at 11 a.m. eastern time, Inter Miami’s website said.
‘Messi magic’: International soccer star pulls big crowds to U.S. games
Since coming to play for Miami, Messi has filled U.S. stadiums as fans come to catch more of what’s long been called “Messi magic,” now in his career’s later years. (Some teams have opted to hold matches in larger NFL stadiums to accommodate the larger crowds when Messi plays). He was Major League Soccer’s MVP last season, his first full one with Miami. Inter Miami is set to compete in the Club World Cup, which opens June 14 and will be played in U.S. stadiums, including New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium.
Debate behind Messi’s artistic goals to be settled with art installation
“Choosing just one goal out of them all is very difficult — each one is special in its own way, and some are really important or bring back incredible memories. But highlighting one as a favorite for the first time, to make this unique project possible is worth it. There’s a strong purpose behind it, and I’m really happy to be part of it,” Messi said on Inter Miami’s website.Anadol, who New York Times articles have described as a digital artist, has had his work exhibited internationally, including at New York City’s Museum of Modern Art (MOMA). Messi, born in Argentina and wowing people there with his playing as a small child, went on to play for global-audience powerhouse FC Barcelona in Spain, where he amassed legendary stats, both in sheer numbers and eye-popping moves including ability to dribble past players in bunches. He led the team to victory in multiple national and continental championships and has been voted winner of the Ballon d’Or, as the world’s best player, a record eight times. He holds the most-goals record for a calendar year, at 91 goals in 2012, shattering a figure set in 1972. In 2022, Messi led Argentina to win the World Cup.
“For years, fans and pundits alike have debated which of those goals stand out the most—for their significance or aesthetic perfection,” InterMiami said on its website. “But now, for the very first time, Messi himself will select his personal favorite, giving rise to a never-before-seen fusion of art and football.”
Messi’s iconic goals: A timeline
The following is a selection of just some of Messi’s goals, in no particular order, that often make online highlight reels. He scored one early in his Barcelona career, against Getafe in Spain’s La Liga in 2007, that leaves player after player in his wake.Against FC Barcelona’s eternal rival, Real Madrid, in the 2011 semi-final of Europe’s top continental club competition, he essentially dribbled through the entire defense.
In the 2012-2013 season, Messi pivoted this way and that to slink past Athletic Bilbao defenders for a goal (watch starting about three minutes in).Maneuvering past players at different intervals against Athletic Bilbao once again, Messi helped Barcelona win Spain’s Copa del Rey (King’s Cup) competition in 2015. ESPN even did a moment-by-moment analysis of the goal that;s worth a watch.Messi twisted and turned, leaving defenders doing splits in the grass, to score against Real Zaragoza in La Liga in 2010.He fired a pinpoint, long-distance free-kick goal in 2019 against England’s Liverpool in the continental UEFA Champions league.
He notched four goals in one 2010 Champions League match against England’s Arsenal.
Then there are the couple goals he put past Real Sociedad in a 2010 match that are worth watching.
Messi helped to seal the 2009 Champions League European title for Barcelona with a headed goal, defeating Manchester United.
There are plenty of compilation videos (some with commentary) of many of Messi’s goals for Argentina available on YouTube. You can also find collection of his goals for current club team Inter Miami on the platform.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Soccer icon Messi will pick his favorite career goal to become artwork at NYC auction
Reporting by Michael P. McKinney, Rockland/Westchester Journal News / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
