Keeping focus on Messi, Mats worked on a brand new unique stand that he 3D printed, then sanded and spray painted, giving a background made from acrylic and gold leaf. There were apparently a lot of complications in preparing the ball, particularly with fixing it in place without damaging the canvas or the support. But once that was complete the detail was added, capturing some of Messi’s most magical celebratory moments. The piece was finished with eight small golden balls – split into four and positioned in opposing corners – to represent his eight Balon d’Ors.
In total, including every stage of the process, the piece took Mats in the region of 200-300 hours of work – a mammoth effort, but time well spent when you see the finished piece. Goes without saying it’s a one-of-one creation!
