Years of Culture
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2025/06/04
That historic moment is now immortalised in what is believed to be the world’s largest professional mural of its kind. Titled Magic Night at Lusail Stadium, the piece was co-created by renowned Qatari street artist Mubarak Al-Malik and celebrated Argentinian muralist Martín Ron.
The piece, located in Al Wakra, is a powerful visual representation of cultural exchange and friendship between Qatar and Argentina, themes that take centre stage in the Qatar-Argentina 2025 Year of Culture.
In this exclusive interview, Mubarak Al-Malik reflects on the mural's creation, the meaning behind the image, and what it was like to collaborate across cultures in capturing a moment that has since become emblematic of Qatar-Argentina friendship.
“It was a historic moment,” reflected Al-Malik. “His Highness the Amir is our role model, Messi is a global football icon, and the bisht symbolises Qatari identity. The scene speaks volumes.”
Mubarak Al-Malik is no stranger to walls that make a statement. A pioneer in Qatar’s graffiti and public art movement, he is known for weaving traditional Arabic aesthetics with contemporary street art.
“Ever since I was a child, my family noticed my love for drawing and how I stood out in school art activities,” he explained. “They enrolled me in one of the art centres, where I attended various art workshops (painting, ceramics, sculpture, Arabic calligraphy). These workshops were incredibly valuable and helped shape me from an early age.”
That early education left a lasting impact. “To this day, I still attend art courses and training sessions to continuously improve myself. Also, my uncle Salman Al-Malik is one of the pioneers of the visual arts scene in Qatar, and he has always been generous with his advice. I often consult him on artistic matters.” Today, Mubarak is carrying forward that legacy while constantly evolving. His works can be seen across Doha and beyond.
The Magic Night at Lusail Stadium mural was a rare opportunity for Al-Malik to merge cultural symbolism with global visibility. “Barwa Real Estate contacted me to create a mural with an Argentinian artist in the Argentinian Fan Zone (the designated area for Argentina supporters during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™),” explained Al-Malik. “The artist, Martín Ron, is very well-known and had previously worked in Qatar, including his oryx mural in Katara.”
“As an artist, this project was a great opportunity for me - I was immediately excited by the concept,” he shared. “We submitted several draft designs until we settled on the one capturing the moment His Highness the Amir gifted Messi the bisht - a moment rich with symbolism.”
The collaboration with Martín Ron added a distinct international dimension to the initiative. “We were connected through the project, and as mentioned, Martín had already created murals in Qatar,” said Al-Malik. “Working with him was enriching - I learned a lot from watching his process, and we aligned our approaches to complete the work smoothly.”
Al-Malik’s and Ron’s creative backgrounds are very different. Al-Malik often incorporates traditional Qatari motifs and themes in his work. For this large-scale painting, he stepped into new creative territory. “That was the unique part. We blended both of our cultures into one composition. I normally focus on traditional elements like the “batoola” (a traditional face covering), but in this mural, the subject was different. The collaboration helped bring out a new artistic dynamic.”
Painting such a recognisable image came with its own pressures behind the scenes. “The process involved selecting the right wall in the fan zone, outlining the design, and then carefully painting each element - this stage takes time,” added Al-Malik, walking us through the creative process. “The biggest challenge was the accuracy required when painting well-known figures. Skin tone, facial details, clothing - everything had to be precise. There was no room for error. Both Martín and I were deeply focused on these details.”
While the entire artwork took about a week to complete, it has had a profound impact. “I was very proud to be part of this. It meant a lot to contribute to a project that celebrated a moment of cultural exchange through art,” said Al-Malik. Feedback from fans has been overwhelmingly positive. “So many people appreciated the work, and I’m happy it resonated with both locals and visitors.”
Looking back on the experience, what stood out most was the human connection behind the art. “Just the fact that I got to work closely with another renowned international artist was a great experience, watching how our styles came together.”
As the Qatar-Argentina 2025 Year of Culture unfolds, Magic Night at Lusail Stadium stands as a powerful symbol of connection between the two nations. More than a celebration of sport, the mural reflects a shared experience brought to life through collaboration.
Find out more about upcoming Years of Culture events.
