Sponsored Video: Meet the Culinary Master Behind Hotel Xcaret Mexico's Michelin-Starred Cuisine
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Meet the two-time Michelin-starred chef who created HA' at the Hotel Xcaret Mexico. That's right, in addition to incredible parks, tours and of course hotels, Grupo Xcaret is home to the incredible restaurant, HA', which just this June earned its Michelin star for the second consecutive year. Chef Carlos Gaytán joins Northstar Travel Group's EVP of Marketing & Partnerships Mary Pat Sullivan to talk about his culinary inspirations, his passion for Mexican cuisine, his love of Mexico's culture and experiences and his pride in creating culinary memories for the guests who dine at HA'.
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New York Times
36 minutes ago
- New York Times
Digital artwork of Lionel Messi's favorite goal sold for $1.87M to mystery buyer
A Goal in Life: Messi x Refik Anadol, the artwork created by world renowned artist Refik Anadol using artificial intelligence, and inspired by global soccer star Lionel Messi's favorite goal, was auctioned at Christie's for $1.87 million on Tuesday. The auction house has not disclosed the identity of the buyer. Advertisement All proceeds from the auction will benefit the Inter Miami Foundation, which plans to use the funds to support a variety of charitable initiatives. This includes a partnership with UNICEF aimed at enhancing education programs in Argentina, Mexico, El Salvador, Honduras, and Haiti. In an exclusive interview with The Athletic before the auction, Anadol expressed his hope the sculpture won't disappear into private hands. 'This isn't just a collaboration between two people, it's a dialogue between two disciplines,' he said. 'It's not artist meets artist; it's sport meets art. And that's what makes it so fresh and powerful.' Anadol spent several weeks creating this one of a kind digital art project using machine and AI to reconstruct Messi's most personal favorite goal in 3D, effectively bringing a 16-year-old memory into the present with technology that didn't exist in 2009. The goal itself was a masterpiece. In 2009, a 22-year-old Messi was playing for Pep Guardiola's Barcelona against Manchester United, facing his future arch-rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, only weeks before the Portuguese star's move to Real Madrid that summer. In the 70th minute of the Champions League final in Rome's Stadio Olumpico, with Barcelona already up 1–0, Xavi Hernández floated a pinpoint cross into the box. Despite standing just 5 ft 7 in (1.65 meters) tall, Messi (nicknamed La Pulga, 'the Flea' in English for his small stature,) rose above the towering 6'2' Rio Ferdinand and met the ball with a perfectly timed header, sending it curling into the far corner of the net. He leapt so high his boot flew off, but it didn't matter. With arms outstretched and a grin of disbelief, Messi celebrated a goal that would go down in history. 'It's hard to choose just one, there have been so many,' Messi told the crew who interviewed him a few months ago in an interview that has not been shared with the public until now. 'That goal is my favorite,' he smiled. 'It was the most beautiful and unique, because it was a header, I jumped really high, which is rare for me,' he explained. Advertisement 'To see a work of art born from Messi's most cherished goal not only captivate thousands of visitors but also generate vital support for children's education across Latin America and the Caribbean is profoundly moving,' Ximena Caminos, the curator who facilitated the collaboration, said in a statement after the auction. 'This sale is a testament to the power of art, technology, and sport to create real-world impact. We hope this is just the beginning — that many more around the world will have the chance to experience this emotional, immersive journey into memory, movement, and meaning.' Anadol's work has been on display at Christie's New York in Rockefeller Center since July 12, coinciding with Christie's 10th Art+Tech Summit Over ten days, thousands of soccer fans, collectors and art lovers experienced the artwork in person according to Sebastian Sanchez, Christie's manager of digital sales. The bid started at $1.5million (£1.1m). This is not Anadol's first charity sale. Three years ago, Christie's sold another mutant digital sculpture he created inspired by Gaudí's Casa Batlló for $1,380,000. A few years later, in 2024 a collection of six shirts worn by Lionel Messi during the 2022 World Cup became the most expensive sports memorabilia sold that year after being bought at auction for $7.8million (£6.1m). In terms of the future of A Goal in Life, the public displays ended with the auction. The buyer of this one of a kind 20 feet by 12 feet digital art piece will be able to work with the artist's studio to install the piece wherever they choose, providing their own hardware.
New York Times
an hour ago
- New York Times
Chicharito's unfiltered dialogue takes a sexist turn
Over the years, Javier 'Chicharito' Hernández has become somewhat of an open book, with the Mexican footballing legend broadcasting his thoughts, vulnerabilities and life experiences across various media for all to see. The latest chapter, however, unveiled a sexist side to him. Hernández, a former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward who is also the Mexico men's national team's all-time leading goalscorer, has opened himself up to international blowback after a series of recent social media posts. Advertisement The 37-year-old has over 6 million followers on Instagram, so what he says there reaches a wide audience. Last week, Hernández offered that 'women are failing' and 'eradicating masculinity.' 'You're making society hypersensitive,' Hernández claimed. 'Embody your feminine energy—by caring, nurturing, receiving, multiplying, cleaning, maintaining the home, which is the most cherished place for us men. Don't be afraid to be a woman. To allow yourselves to be led by a man who only wants to see you happy.' 'But you, women,' he continued, 'need to learn to receive and to honor masculinity. Sometimes the truth can hurt in the moment, but that is how we grow. Let's accept the truth and change enough to create the humanity we've always been searching for.' In another post, Hernández said, 'So, you want a man who will provide for you, but cleaning is patriarchal oppression. Interesting.' Hernández's comments have been heavily criticized for being chauvinistic and out of touch. But you may not care about his views on masculinity. Your first thought may be that Hernández has every right to offer his opinions. In fact, over the past several years, Hernández has used his celebrity to discuss topics such as depression, anxiety and failure — issues that for men, and generally for Latinos, are considered taboo. Before he returned to Chivas Guadalajara in 2024, Hernández's career was at a crossroads. A failed stint in Spain with Sevilla led to a highly-publicized move to MLS in 2020. The LA Galaxy made Hernández the centerpiece of their brand, and MLS was happy to follow suit. Hernández was an icon for Mexicans, a demographic that has long been viewed as pivotal to the league's growth. Hernández's start in the U.S. was disappointing. He was out of shape and his performances were subpar. The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted that MLS season, and upon the league's restart and eventual shortened season, Hernández ended that year with two goals, looking like a failed signing. His resurgence began the following year. Advertisement Hernández arrived fit and mentally prepared to be the face of the league. He opened up publicly about his personal bouts with depression that began the year prior and then contributed 17 goals in 21 appearances for the Galaxy. Along the way, both the club and MLS propped up Hernández as a voice for change. He was applauded for openly discussing his fears and weaknesses. In 2022, Hernández appeared as a guest on The Call Up, an MLS-branded podcast that was co-hosted by Jillian Sakovits and Susannah Collins. If Hernández had misogynistic beliefs then, he kept them quiet. 'I think the press in general, puts fame and success [on] a pedestal … of like, you need to be perfect for society in a way,' Chicharito said on the podcast. 'And I just want to be me, responsible with good intentions, but it's me, human. There's no perfection in the end.' In 2022, as he found his form on the pitch and hoped to make Mexico's World Cup squad, he continued campaigning for mental health awareness. In an interview with The Athletic, Hernández established his new outlook on public life. Fame, he said, was just a tool. It wasn't 'the answer to life.' 'I'm just a guy, just a human,' Hernández said. 'I'm now different. I'm just pushing beyond my limits because I have that, and we all can do that in every area, in every facet of our lives.' 'I don't want to hurt people,' he added, 'but if I decide to say something that you don't agree with, it's not personal, man. It's because I think like that. That's my life and I live once and you're going to live once and decide your life. Take it or leave it. It sounds very rough, and some people don't want to hear it. But take it or leave it. It's fine.' Hernández was not ultimately selected for the 2022 World Cup. It was a blow, but he had become a well-regarded brand ambassador for his club and American soccer. In May of 2023 the Galaxy held what they called 'A conversation on mental health' with Hernández. The audience included the club's boys academy teams and members of the women's soccer team from California State University, Dominguez Hills. Advertisement 'I certainly knew his reputation both as a person and as a player,' said then-Galaxy president Chris Klein. 'But on this subject I've really grown to have a tremendous amount of respect for him. I'm proud of him and proud to associate our great club with a name like Chicharito. Not only for what he does on the field but for everything that he has stood for off the field.' There has been no such praise from Chivas, the club that now employs Hernández, following his recent remarks. A spokesperson for the club told The Athletic on Tuesday that Hernández's comments about women had been discussed extensively internally. According to the spokesperson, Hernández was made aware of the reaction that such 'an affectation can produce.' The club is actively working to address the situation. Chivas happens to also boast a successful women's side, which is a two-time Liga MX Femenil champion. The club reached the league semifinals during the 2025 Clausura tournament. On Monday, Liga MX Femenil president Mariana Gutiérrez announced that the league's all stars would face Barcelona Femenil in Mexico in August. During the press conference, she was asked about Hernández's social media comments. 'Today, the (Mexican Football) Federation and the league have a clear protocol, a set of regulations, and the great fortune of having done excellent work hand in hand with the clubs — something that didn't exist before and that many companies still don't have,' Gutiérrez said. Reports in Mexico suggested that Hernández could be sanctioned by the federation's disciplinary committee. When reached by The Athletic, a Liga MX spokesperson wasn't sure regarding any potential sanctions. Hernández tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during a U.S. Open Cup game in June of 2023. That led to his exit from the Galaxy and a celebrated return home to his boyhood club. In January of last year, over 40,000 Chivas fans attended Hernández's unveiling at the club's Estadio Akron. It was a hero's welcome for one of Mexico's most celebrated athletes. Advertisement And yet, what was expected to be a stirring comeback for Hernández has instead been a major disappointment. His No. 14 jersey is a popular purchase for loyal Chivas fans, but Hernández has given them very little to celebrate. He has scored two goals in 22 matches and has struggled to become a fixture in the team's starting XI. He's not close to the Liga MX All-Star group that will take on MLS's best in an exhibition Wednesday night. Instead, he's now facing public backlash, and Hernández's legacy as one of football's most talented forwards of his era hangs in the balance. And don't blame cancel culture, either. Hernández previously made it clear that he welcomes both the attention he receives and the consequences that come with it. 'Every word that comes out of my mind are reminders of who I am in that moment,' Hernández said in 2022. 'I can stand it if you don't like me anymore. I'm just going to be me. And it's very complicated.'
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Yahoo
Money Problem: 'British Airways agreed over phone to refund nearly £1,500 - but then only gave me half'
Every week, our Money team gets an expert to answer your financial problems or consumer disputes. Today, our reader Simon Lawrence asks... We booked a holiday to Mexico for £2,362 but a few months later were seeing a lot of articles about how dangerous Mexico City had become. When I called, British Airways agreed to let us cancel with a £1,454 refund but then only gave me half. This was last July and I've been back and forth with them ever since. They're saying the complaint is closed. What can I do?Money blog editor answers... Thanks for writing in, Simon - I got a lot more details about your case from our correspondence. This helped me have a back and forth with BA - but before I get to where that ended up, I want to go through your rights. It's worth saying that you are not alone in having problems with BA. A Facebook group titled "British Airways Complaints Advice" has nearly 41,000 members - read from that what you will. Your 'ace card' I chatted to consumer rights expert Scott Dixon, AKA the Complaints Resolver, about your case - and he was impressed that you'd kept such meticulous notes. This is key when things go wrong. As a starting point, if BA or another company in a similar scenario is unfairly refusing to engage, Dixon suggests you can submit a data subject access request to retrieve recorded phone calls as evidence of what BA promised. "This is your ace card," said Dixon - and it may lead to a resolution in your favour. Refunds generally depend on the terms and conditions you agree to when purchasing something. "BA say they sell some tickets at discounted fares which may be partly or completely non-refundable," said Dixon. "You should choose the fare which best suits your needs and consider taking out travel insurance to cover instances where you might have to cancel your ticket." Regardless of the above, you may be entitled to a full refund in certain circumstances, such as: A serious illness or bereavement (proof may be required); If BA cancels the flight or makes a significant change to it. Promises made over the phone When making telephone calls, Dixon says you should always note: The name of the person you spoke to; Date and time of calls; Summary of what was said; Request written confirmation of any promises given. Don't accept vouchers This is one of Dixon's bugbears. "BA usually offers vouchers instead of cash to close complaints, which you do not have to accept," he told me. "You are entitled to what you are owed and promised in cash." Alternative dispute resolution If you disagree with an airline's decision, you have the right to go to an ADR service to dispute it. The main ADR schemes are Consumer Dispute Resolution Limited (AviationADR) and Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR). BA subscribes to CEDR - so that's where you'd go. "I have found the ADR schemes to be very good with legitimate claims, and it's clear that many airlines deliberately flout the law because they know most people won't pursue it," said Dixon. How did you pay for it? If you paid by credit card, you can submit a claim under S75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974, which holds the credit card provider jointly liable for a breach of contract. Read more: Small claims court If all else fails, you could take your case to the small claims court if it is in England, or follow the Simple Procedure in Scotland. Dixon advises: "Before you file a claim, send screenshots of the draft court papers setting your case out and demanding a refund within seven days. Tell BA that if they fail to do so, you will lodge a claim in the small claims court. "This may resolve the dispute. If it does not, you can proceed and file the small claim papers online." What did British Airways do when we contacted them? A few hours after we emailed the BA press office, Simon received an email suggesting his case was open again. Neither we nor Simon then heard much for a week before he received £527.19 and a voucher worth £100. Simon sent us this email: "This is still £100 less than the £727.19 but it's better than nothing. "Still no explanation or proper apology from our standard-bearer airline, but perhaps that's too much to ask for. "At least the refund is an acknowledgement that they were wrong and had effectively lied to me when they said the refund was in line with their policy. Without your intervention, I would have just been continually ignored." It really shouldn't take an email from the media to sort these things out, but we are glad BA has now given Simon most of the money he was promised. In a short statement, the airline said: "We've apologised to our customer and have been in touch to make things right." This feature is not intended as financial advice - the aim is to give an overview of the things you should think about. Submit your dilemma or consumer dispute via: WhatsApp Or email moneyblog@ with the subject line "Money Problem"
