Soccer Balls Transformed into Unique Art in Miami Ahead of World Cup
In Miami, soccer balls are being turned into one-of-a-kind artworks as the World Cup nears, with Paraguayan artist Lili Cantero leading this creative fusion. Cantero, who sees soccer as family, has built a devoted following in the soccer world, with her work admired by Argentina captain and Inter Miami star Lionel Messi, among others. She recalls fond childhood memories of gathering with relatives around a radio to listen to matches almost every weekend, which sparked her lifelong passion for the game.
"That's where my love for the game began," Cantero said. "For me, soccer, futbol, is being with family and being with friends. The game is not just a game. It’s a culture. It’s love. It is family. It is friendship." And now, it is her work, as she prepares to showcase her painted soccer balls in Miami's vibrant Wynwood neighborhood.
Wynwood: The Perfect Canvas for Soccer Art
Leading up to the start of the World Cup in June, Cantero will display her specialty—painted soccer balls—in 10 different businesses in Wynwood, a district known for transforming warehouses into art galleries and turning just about anything into murals. As the heartbeat of the Miami art community, Wynwood provides an ideal backdrop for Cantero's marriage of art and soccer.
"I think it’s the perfect combination in the perfect moment with the perfect people," said Cantero, who has called Miami home for about 2 1/2 years. She highlighted how Messi's arrival in the city has helped grow the sport, inspiring kids with aspirations and dreams. "Messi coming in this city was ... an interesting way to grow this sport here in this city and in this country. Because many kids, they look at him with so many aspirations and dreams and everything, so think they can make a decision to play this sport and also to grow in this sport. And I think that’s beautiful."
Art and Soccer: A Global Unifier
Cantero's approach is simple: she believes soccer, like art, can bring people of different races, backgrounds, languages, and everything else together. Her biggest break came in 2018 when she designed a pair of soccer cleats adorned with images of Messi and his family, which were sent to the soccer legend. Messi posed with the cleats, the image went viral, and Cantero suddenly had the game's official seal of approval.
Her work has since been recognized by soccer icons such as Diego Maradona, Pele, former Brazil forward Ronaldinho, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, and Messi's former Barcelona and Inter Miami teammate Jordi Alba. For the Wynwood series, Cantero unveiled her first ball last week, depicting how Spain won the 2010 World Cup.
"I feel honored to be known for this art and what I do," Cantero said. "I think art and soccer has the power to change the world. It changed my life, so I can tell that that’s true. And when you go to favelas and you see like the kids playing, thinking the only way that they could do something in life is through soccer, that's art for me."
Wynwood's Vibrant Art Scene Embraces the World Cup
Wynwood is always bustling, with art and fashion dominating the area, and no shortage of people working hard to ensure everything stays vibrant. The World Cup will bring tens of thousands of people to South Florida, and Wynwood wants them to know they're all welcome in that art district.
"We’re always promoting the arts, we’re always changing the arts in the neighborhood, the murals," said David Lombardi, chairman of the Wynwood Business Improvement District, at the unveiling of Cantero's first ball in this series. "It’s vibrant, it’s changing, it’s alive, and people want to be a part of it."
Cantero's Creative Process and Personal Journey
Cantero never played the game but is addicted to it. She showed up for the first unveiling in a Spain jersey—mindful of how that nation ousted Paraguay, her homeland, on the way to the 2010 title. Some soccer balls take her days to paint, while others take just a couple of hours. At the unveiling, she even did some work live, setting up a tablet to her left to reference an image of Spain star David Villa celebrating a goal during that World Cup.
With deft flicks of her right hand, she added that image of Villa, bit by bit, to the back of the ball, oblivious to the crowd gathered around to watch. Every soccer ball in this series will depict another World Cup moment, celebrating the sport's rich history.
"I grew up in Paraguay, and everyone tells me you cannot make a living with art. And now I’m doing this, far away from my country, representing who I am and my roots," Cantero said. "It's been an honor." This project not only showcases her artistic talent but also highlights how soccer and art can unite communities and inspire dreams worldwide.
