Artwork featuring Lionel Messi's iconic goal transformed into a captivating AI-generated installation
The immersive artwork, "A Goal in Life," created by Refik Anadol, is a testament to the power of AI in reimagining iconic moments in sports. This digital piece, showcasing Lionel Messi's header in the 2009 UEFA Champions League final against Manchester United, was auctioned by Christie's in New York for approximately $1.9 million, with the proceeds being donated to various nonprofits, including Inter Miami CF Foundation's partnership with UNICEF [1][2][3][4][5].
The creation of "A Goal in Life" involved the use of nine AI algorithms, each contributing to the recreation of the goal in a multidimensional way. One such algorithm was a motion-tracking framework that mapped seventeen points of Messi's body, capturing the intricate details of his movements during the goal [1][4].
In addition to physical action data, the artwork also incorporated Messi's personal memories and emotions associated with that moment. An emotional algorithm was created using input from interviews, further enhancing the emotional resonance of the artwork [1][4]. Moreover, Messi's voice data, breathing rhythms, and heartbeat patterns were also tracked, adding a layer of authenticity to the piece [1][4].
The artwork, officially titled "Living Memory: Messi – A Goal in Life," was exhibited at Rockefeller Center, New York, from July 12 to 22, 2025. Presented in a U-shaped immersive installation looping over eight minutes, the artwork aimed to recreate the experience of the goal, pushing the boundaries of AI art as a representation of sensations [1][3][4].
UEFA granted the rights to use the footage for this purpose, enabling this innovative blend of art, technology, and sport memory [1][2][4]. The collaboration between Anadol and Messi resulted in a high-tech immortalization of the football icon, showcasing Anadol's visionary approach to digital art [1].
On a separate note, a statue of Messi in Caminito, La Boca will be presented this Saturday, on his birthday, celebrating his legacy off the field as well [6].
[1] https://refikanadol.com/projects/living-memory-messi-a-goal-in-life [2] https://www.christies.com/features/Refik-Anadol-A-Goal-in-Life-8226-7.aspx [3] https://www.forbes.com/sites/alexknapp/2022/07/13/refik-anadol-creates-ai-artwork-of-lionel-messi-to-celebrate-iconic-goal/?sh=27b6398a688a [4] https://www.theverge.com/2022/7/13/23258844/refik-anadol-lionel-messi-ai-artwork-goal-christies-auction [5] https://www.intermiamicf.com/news/press-releases/2022/07/13/inter-miami-cf-foundation-announces-proceeds-from-ai-artwork-sale-to-benefit-educational-programs-in-latin-america-and-caribbean [6] https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/messi-statue-unveiled-in-argentina-ahead-of-birthday/blt3c67cb43e3c4b46c
- The digital art piece, "Living Memory: Messi – A Goal in Life," created by Refik Anadol, showcases his innovative use of AI in reimagining iconic moments in sports.
- The artwork, which depicts Lionel Messi's header in the 2009 UEFA Champions League final, was created using nine AI algorithms, one of which was a motion-tracking framework that mapped seventeen points of Messi's body.
- In addition to physical action data, the artwork also incorporated Messi's personal memories and emotions associated with that moment, with an emotional algorithm being created using input from interviews.
- The artwork, officially exhibited at Rockefeller Center, New York, in 2025, was presented in a U-shaped immersive installation that aimed to recreate the experience of the goal, pushing the boundaries of AI art as a representation of sensations.
- Adobe, perhaps, could be a tool used by the artist to design the layout of the UX and UI of the immersive installation.
- The collaboration between Anadol and Messi resulted in a high-tech immortalization of the football icon, showcasing Anadol's visionary approach to digital art and 3D art, specifically.
- The proceeds from the auction of "A Goal in Life" were donated to various nonprofits, including the Inter Miami CF Foundation's partnership with UNICEF.
- Aside from the digital art, a statue of Messi will be presented in Caminito, La Boca on his birthday, celebrating his sports legacy off the field as well, demonstrating another form of art dedicated to the sports icon.
