In such an emotional decision as it is symbolic, football star Lionel Messi Surprised the world by revealing what goal he considers to be the most special in his entire career. And it was not one of his typical Maradona-like runs, an impossible free kick or even a goal that got him a title with the Argentine national team.
The chosen one was so unforgettable heading against Manchester United in the 2009 Champions League final In Rome – a goal that essentially sealed the title for Barcelona during one of the club’s most wonderful seasons.
“I have scored many goals that may have been more beautiful or even more meaningful because of their importance, but the headline in the Champions League final against Manchester United has always been my favorite,” Messi explained as part of A goal in life Charity campaign, promoted by Inter Miami CF Foundation.
The Argentine captain looked back at that moment with emotion and recalled it as a turning point in his career – his ultimate opening in European football.
But the project goes beyond sports. Innovative Turkish artist Refik Anadol Will use millions of data points from the exact moment – including angles, sequences, movements and emotions – and turn them into a unique digital work of art. Paragraph will be auctioned by Christie’s to raise money for educational and social causes.
Lionel Messi has said about what he thinks his best goal is … “The one in Rome in the Champions League final against Manchester United.” 🤩
UEFA Certain access to the audiovisual rights, and Messi was especially interviewed by Anadol to capture human and emotional depths in this case in Rome.
“Hopefully we take one of these trophies one day back to Argentina, ” Messi said with a smile and referred to the 1996 Champions League trophy he saw on the display at Inter Miami’s head office.
In Anadol’s own words, the piece is much more than just a tribute to Messi:
“This project aims to turn art into direct impact. Leo’s goal is more than a decisive sporting moment – it is a complex expression of memory, emotions and movement. By integrating AI and Biosensing – technology we turn data into emotions and feelings into inheritance.”
And so, that heading-defying logic, from a 5-foot-7 player against high English defenders-will now be to exceed the plan to become cleanwith a deeply human purpose.
