Refik Anadol’s Soulless AI Tribute to Leo Messi

Refik Anadol’s Soulless AI Tribute to Leo Messi

Refik Anadol set himself up for failure. For his latest work, the artist best known for his shapeshifting AI installation at the Museum of Modern Art set out to immortalize a moment of sports legend: Lionel Messi’s 2009 towering header goal for FC Barcelona, which helped clinch its victory against Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League final and secure a historic treble for the Spanish club. In collaboration with Messi himself, who selec…

AI portrait of footballer Lionel Messi's favourite goal raises $1.87m for charity

Refik Anadol's re-imagination of the Argentine star’s 2009 header sold in an online auction at Christie's New York