(From left) Leo Messi and Refik Anadol.
Football icon Lionel Messi is set to reveal his favourite goal of all time—for the very first time—in a landmark global campaign that unites the worlds of sport, art and philanthropy. Over a career spanning nearly two decades, Messi has netted more than 800 goals for club and country—each with its own meaning, significance and moment of magic.
From Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain, and now Inter Miami CF, his goals have captured imaginations and defined footballing greatness. Now, fans will finally learn which goal he holds dearest.
The revelation will take place on 22 May at 11am (ET) via the official social media channels of the Inter Miami CF Foundation. The announcement forms part of a wider initiative titled A Goal in Life, which combines elite football and contemporary digital art in support of global education efforts.
Art Goal
To mark the occasion, Messi’s selected goal will be transformed into a one-of-a-kind digital artwork by internationally renowned artist Refik Anadol, known for his data-driven, AI-generated installations. The final artwork—bearing the signatures of both Messi and Anadol—will be unveiled at Christie’s New York on 11 June, before being auctioned in aid of charitable projects.
Proceeds will support a range of causes, including a key partnership between the Inter Miami CF Foundation and UNICEF, aimed at improving access to quality education in five countries across Latin America and the Caribbean.
Speaking about the project, Messi said: “Choosing just one goal out of them all is very difficult—each one is special in its own way. But highlighting one as a favourite 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.”
“It’s an extraordinary honour to work with Leo Messi on a project that supports global education and bridges the emotional power of football with the future of art,” said Anadol.
Led by the Inter Miami CF Foundation, and creatively directed by Xavier Roca with curation by Ximena Caminos, the auction will conclude on 25 July. Lending his voice to the campaign’s narrative is none other than Morgan Freeman, guiding audiences through a project that promises to be as moving as it is meaningful. Check it out below.
