Miami Artist Transforms Soccer Balls into World Cup-Inspired Art

Paraguayan artist Lili Cantero brings her vibrant, soccer-themed paintings to Miami's Wynwood neighborhood ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 5:26pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a soccer ball covered in a dazzling array of textured, glittering patterns and colors, evoking the celebratory spirit of the World Cup.Paraguayan artist Lili Cantero's vibrant, World Cup-inspired soccer ball art brings a touch of global flair to Miami's Wynwood neighborhood.Today in Miami

Lili Cantero, a Paraguayan artist based in Miami, is creating a series of one-of-a-kind painted soccer balls that depict iconic moments from past World Cup tournaments. Cantero, who sees soccer as a unifying force that brings people together, will be displaying her artwork in 10 different businesses throughout the Wynwood arts district in Miami leading up to the start of the 2026 World Cup.

Why it matters

Cantero's soccer ball art represents the intersection of sports, culture, and community in Miami. As the city prepares to host the 2026 World Cup, her vibrant, emotive paintings aim to capture the passion and camaraderie that the global soccer event inspires. By showcasing her work in the Wynwood neighborhood, known for its thriving arts scene, Cantero hopes to engage both local residents and international visitors alike.

The details

Cantero, who has lived in Miami for about 2.5 years, will be unveiling 10 different soccer balls in Wynwood businesses, each one depicting a memorable moment from past World Cup tournaments. Her first ball in the series features Spain's 2010 World Cup victory. Cantero plans to paint the balls live in front of audiences, adding details like the image of Spanish star David Villa celebrating a goal. The artist, who did not play soccer herself but grew up listening to matches with her family, believes the sport has the power to bring people of all backgrounds together through a shared love of the game.

  • Cantero will be unveiling her soccer ball art installations in Wynwood businesses leading up to the start of the 2026 World Cup in June.
  • Cantero's first ball in the series, depicting Spain's 2010 World Cup win, was unveiled last week.

The players

Lili Cantero

A Paraguayan artist based in Miami who creates one-of-a-kind painted soccer balls that capture iconic World Cup moments. Cantero sees soccer as a unifying force that brings people together through a shared love of the game.

Lionel Messi

Argentine soccer star and captain of the Inter Miami MLS team, whose custom-designed cleats featuring Cantero's artwork helped bring the artist wider recognition in the soccer world.

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What they’re saying

“I think it's the perfect combination in the perfect moment with the perfect people. 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.”

— Lili Cantero, Artist

“We're always promoting the arts, we're always changing the arts in the neighborhood, the murals. It's vibrant, it's changing, it's alive, and people want to be a part of it.”

— David Lombardi, Chairman, Wynwood Business Improvement District

What’s next

Cantero plans to unveil 9 more soccer ball art installations in Wynwood businesses over the coming months, each one depicting a memorable World Cup moment, leading up to the start of the 2026 World Cup in June.

The takeaway

Cantero's vibrant, soccer-themed art installations in Miami's Wynwood neighborhood showcase the power of sports to bring diverse communities together through a shared passion. Her work celebrates the global reach and cultural significance of the World Cup, while also highlighting Miami's thriving arts scene and its embrace of the world's most popular game.