Digital Artwork Featuring Lionel Messi Sells for $1.87 Million at Christie’s

In a groundbreaking moment for the world of digital art, a unique AI-generated artwork inspired by football legend Lionel Messi has been sold for $1.87 million** at the prestigious Christie’s auction house.

The piece, titled “Living Memory: Messi – A Goal in Life,” was created by renowned Turkish-American media artist Refik Anadol. Using advanced artificial intelligence technologies and real biometric data from Messi, Anadol transformed one of Messi’s most iconic goals into a vivid and emotional digital experience.

To bring the piece to life, Anadol used real-time data such as Messi’s heart rate, breathing patterns, body movements, and emotional responses during a memorable goal he scored in 2009. These data points were processed by AI algorithms and turned into a vibrant, moving digital sculpture.

The final artwork is an 8-minute-long high-resolution (16K) video installation, designed to visually and emotionally immerse the viewer in that legendary football moment. It represents a powerful fusion of technology, sports, and contemporary art.

Before the auction, the artwork was displayed at the Rockefeller Center in New York City. Visitors entered a mirrored room with full surround visuals, where they could experience the goal as an emotional, data-driven journey through sound, light, and movement.

This project was a direct collaboration between Lionel Messi and Refik Anadol, supported by the Inter Miami CF Foundation and UNICEF. All proceeds from the auction were donated to educational programs in Latin America and the Caribbean, helping children gain access to better learning opportunities.

The high value of this sale highlights the growing influence of digital art and artificial intelligence in contemporary culture. It also marks a rare and exciting collaboration between a global sports icon and a digital art pioneer, pushing the boundaries of what art can be.