Supercar and Coins: The Perfect Tribute to Messi

When we talk about supercars, our imagination soon takes us to luxurious, powerful vehicles with impeccable design. Now, imagine a replica of a Pagani Zonda, one of the most coveted cars in the world, made with more than 100 thousand coins and adorned with the face of none other than Lionel Messi. This unique creation is a combination of art, engineering and passion for football, and was displayed at the prestigious event Art Basel, in Miami, United States.

If you are a fan of cars and Messi, get ready to discover all the details of this unusual masterpiece.

What is it and why did it attract attention?

In the world of cars, replicas usually serve to pay homage to great automotive icons or to offer a more affordable alternative to exclusive models. But this particular replica goes much further than that. It was built by Uruguayan artist Joaquin Arbiza, using exclusively Uruguayan pesos and with a special detail: the Lionel Messi's face painted with black coins on the front of the car.

The work weighs about 1,250 kg, which puts it very close to the weight of a real Pagani Zonda, which varies between 1,100 and 1,300 kg, depending on the version. However, the “Coin Zone” is not just a replica; it is a true work of art with more than 500 thousand welding points, which were necessary to keep all the coins in place.

Three years of work and passion

Creating this work required more than technical skill: it required hard work and a lot of patience. The project took three years to be completed, a journey that began with the bold idea of the Uruguayan collector Jorge Gomez, known for his passion for cars and Lionel Messi. Gomez commissioned the replica from Arbiza, who accepted the challenge and created something totally unique.

Every detail of the car has been carefully thought out. To mimic the complex curves and iconic design of the Pagani Zonda F, many of the coins had to be folded and shaped by hand. The result? A replica so impressive that it was one of the highlights of the Art Basel 2024, attracting the attention of collectors, car enthusiasts and art fans.

The value of the original and the impact of the “fake”

Despite being a replica, it is impossible to ignore the reference to the Pagani Zonda F, one of the most exclusive and expensive cars in the world. Equipped with a 7.3 liter V12 engine, the Zonda F delivers impressive power and is one of the most desired models by millionaires and collectors. Currently, the price of a Pagani Zonda F can exceed R$ 71 million, which puts it on the same level as true jewels on wheels.

The “Coin Zonda”, although it has no engine or functional performance, is invaluable from an artistic point of view. Its creation involved not only technical skills, but also a deep admiration for automotive design and the talent of the footballer Lionel Messi, who is honored on the hood of the car.

Lionel Messi: the connection that makes the difference

You may be wondering: why Lionel Messi? The choice of the Argentine player is no coincidence. Messi is widely considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, and his popularity transcends the sport. Both artist Joaquin Arbiza and collector Jorge Gomez are Messi fans, and decided to immortalize him in this work.

On the hood of the car, coins painted black have been carefully arranged to form a portrait of Messi. It is a detail that transforms the replica of a car into an even more iconic piece, celebrating the player's talent and cultural influence.

The union of art, cars and football

This work is more than a replica of a car; it is a celebration of three fascinating worlds: art, automotive engineering and football. It symbolizes human creativity and ability to transform something ordinary — metal coins — into something extraordinary.

If you had the opportunity to see this work up close, you would notice how each coin was strategically positioned to reproduce the elegant curves of the Pagani Zonda. The attention to detail is so impressive that even the most discerning enthusiasts were amazed during the show in Miami.

Why is this work so relevant in 2024?

The year 2024 marks a time when the intersection of art and technology is stronger than ever. Works like “Coin Zone” highlight how creativity can be used to reimagine objects of desire, such as supercars, from a new perspective. Furthermore, honoring Lionel Messi in such a unique piece reinforces the lasting impact he has had, both on and off the football field.

Final reflection: the value of “fake”

Throughout history, replicas have always raised the question of the value of the original versus the value of the “fake”. In the case of the “Coin Zone”, the value lies in the concept, the execution and the message it conveys. It is not just a car; it is a symbol of passion, innovation and art.

What about you? Are you curious to see this work in person or to imagine what it would be like to have a “fake supercar” that is, at the same time, a tribute to one of the greatest icons of world football? Without a doubt, this is a perfect example of how human creativity can transform simple ideas into something truly extraordinary.