Lionel Messi Chooses 2009 UCL Final Header Vs Manchester United as Favourite Goal, Iconic Moment to Become Charity Artwork; Video

Lionel Messi has revealed that his favorite goal from his long and successful career is the header he scored in the 2009 UEFA Champions League final against Manchester United. Speaking about the moment, Messi said, "I've scored many goals that were beautiful and important, but the header in the final against Manchester United has always been my favorite."

That goal, which helped Barcelona win 2-0 and secure the Champions League title, was Messi’s first in a final of that tournament.

As part of a special charity project called “A Goal in Life,” Messi has teamed up with well-known digital artist Refik Anadol. The project will turn that memorable goal into a unique work of art. The piece will be co-signed by Messi and Anadol and auctioned at Christie’s in New York, with all proceeds going to charity.

Messi shared how excited he is about the collaboration: “Refik’s art is truly special. We met in Miami and talked about how amazing it will be to turn a football goal a moment in sports into a one-of-a-kind piece of art.”

The Inter Miami CF Foundation will lead the charity effort. UEFA has given the rights to use images of Messi’s goal, and the campaign will officially launch on June 11, when the artwork is revealed online at Christie’s. A public exhibition will open at Christie’s New York on July 15, and an online auction will run from July 15 to July 22.

The header itself was an unforgettable moment. Despite being only 5-foot-7, Messi jumped nearly 9 feet in the air to meet a perfect cross from teammate Xavi Hernández. He lost his left shoe in the process, picked it up, and kissed it as he celebrated the goal.

Lionel Messi's illustrious career

Now 37 years old, Messi continues to make history. He recently scored his 860th career goal while playing for Inter Miami, trailing only Cristiano Ronaldo in the all-time scoring charts. He remains Argentina’s top scorer with 112 goals and has found the net 672 times for Barcelona, 32 times for PSG, and 44 times with Inter Miami.