In that cramped, beer-smelling space, there are no data sculptures or floam slime. There are no introspective reflections on the nature of memory and movement. There’s just the game, and the people who care about it. The audience at Christie’s, a mix of art aficionados and football fans, seemed to be searching for that same sense of camaraderie, that same sense of shared experience. Instead, they found themselves adrift in a sea of colorful abstractions, disconnected from the raw emotion of the moment they had come to witness.
But maybe that’s the point. Maybe Anadol’s failure to encapsulate the magic of Messi’s goal is a reminder that some moments are simply too big, too visceral, too human to be contained within the confines of a gallery. Maybe it’s a call to return to the roots of our passions, to embrace the messy, chaotic reality of sports and art and life. Maybe, just maybe, it’s a wake-up call to remember that sometimes, the best way to experience something truly extraordinary is to simply be present, to be in the moment, to be a part of something bigger than ourselves.
So, as we move forward into a world that is increasingly defined by technology and artificial intelligence, let us not forget the power of human connection, of shared experiences, of messy, imperfect, beautiful moments that can never be replicated or recreated. Let us remember that sometimes, the best way to honor a legend like Messi is not through data and algorithms, but through the raw, unfiltered emotion of a goal scored, a victory achieved, a memory lived.
And maybe, just maybe, in that remembrance, we will find the true essence of what it means to be alive.
When it comes to the intersection of art and football, there are countless examples of poignant screen-based creations that capture the essence of the beautiful game. From Douglas Gordon and Philippe Parenno’s moving portrait of Zinédine Zidane to the music video for Gotan Project’s “La Gloria” featuring dancing by Les Twins, the world of football has inspired some truly remarkable artistic expressions.
One particularly memorable moment that combined the excitement of football with the emotion of art was when Argentina clinched the World Cup victory in 2022. As I watched Gonzalo Montiel score the winning penalty kick from afar, sitting in a Brooklyn bar called Turkey’s Nest, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of longing for the celebrations happening in Buenos Aires. The streets of the Argentine capital were overflowing with joy and jubilation, as millions of fans came together to honor their team’s triumph.
One video that captured the essence of this moment perfectly was a clip of Telemundo sportscaster Andrés Cantor, a veteran of World Cup coverage, calling the winning goal for his home country. His iconic “GOOOOOOOOOL” reverberated through the screen, tinged with emotion as tears welled up in his eyes. His repeated chants of “Champions, we’re world champions!” echoed the sentiment felt by fans around the globe.
In trying to capture the essence of such a momentous occasion, artist Anadol may have missed the mark by attempting to translate the raw emotion of football into code. As writer Strauss aptly pointed out, some goals are better shouted than simulated. The beauty of football lies in its ability to evoke genuine, unfiltered emotions that cannot be replicated through technology.
As we continue to witness the fusion of art and football in various forms, it is important to remember the power of the game to move us in ways that transcend the boundaries of language and technology. Whether it’s a moving portrait, a dance-filled music video, or a heartfelt goal celebration, the magic of football will always find a way to touch our hearts and souls.
