• 22 May, 2025
• FAITH MIMDOO KEGH
• No comment

Messi Selects Iconic 2009 Champions League Header as His Favorite Goal.

Lionel Messi has named his header in the 2009 UEFA Champions League Final against Manchester United as his favorite career goal. The announcement is part of *A Goal in Life*, a charitable initiative led by the Inter Miami CF Foundation.

Messi explained that while he has scored more technically impressive or important goals, the header in Rome holds deep personal significance. “I’ve scored many goals that might have been more beautiful or meaningful in different ways, but this one has always been my favorite,” he said.

To commemorate this moment, artist Refik Anadol will create a unique data-driven artwork based on the goal. Using millions of data points and visual elements, Anadol aims to turn the iconic moment into a groundbreaking art piece. The artwork will be auctioned by Christie’s, with all proceeds supporting global education programs through the Inter Miami CF Foundation and its partners, including UNICEF.

The goal — a rare header from a precise cross by Xavi Hernández — helped Barcelona secure a treble-winning season in 2009. It has since become one of the most memorable images of Messi’s career, capturing him midair as he scored past goalkeeper Edwin Van der Sar.

Since the campaign’s launch, a teaser video narrated by Morgan Freeman has garnered over 50 million views on Instagram. Fans speculated over which of Messi’s legendary goals would be chosen, with many expecting his World Cup or solo efforts, but the Rome header won out for its emotional and historical weight.

Refik Anadol, known for merging technology and emotion in art, said the project explores how memory, motion, and human experience can be expressed through data and artificial intelligence. The collaboration includes an exclusive conversation between Messi and Anadol, which will be integrated into the final piece.

   Key Dates:

    June 11:  Artwork revealed on Christies.com
    July 15: Public exhibition opens at Christie’s New York
    July 15–22: Global online auction period

Funds raised will support education-focused nonprofits across Latin America and the Caribbean. The project marks a fusion of sport, art, and philanthropy, transforming a legendary goal into meaningful global impact.

FAITH MIMDOO KEGH

Manager – Oversees the daily operations, editorial planning, and strategic direction of the platform. A graduate with a solid academic foundation in media and communication, Faith brings a wealth of experience to the TokinPoint.

tokinpoint.com