Global football legend Lionel Messi embarked on a spiritually and ecologically enriching journey during his India visit, experiencing the heart of Indian tradition and cutting-edge wildlife conservation at the Vantara centre in Jamnagar. The Inter Miami star, accompanied by teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, was welcomed on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, with vibrant folk music and a ceremonial petal shower, marking a visit that transcended sport.
A Grand Welcome and Spiritual Immersion
The Argentine maestro and his colleagues received a traditional welcome befitting their global stature. The highlight of the initial ceremony was Messi's active participation in a sacred Maha Aarti at the temple. He took part in rituals including Ambe Mata Puja, Ganesh Puja, Hanuman Puja, and Shiv Abhishek, offering prayers for global peace and unity, deeply aligning with India's ethos of reverence for all life.
Exploring Vantara's Expansive Conservation Ecosystem
Following the spiritual ceremonies, Messi embarked on a guided tour of Vantara's vast facilities, founded by Anant Ambani. The centre, home to rescued animals from across the world, left a strong impression on the football icon. He observed big cats, elephants, herbivores, and reptiles under specialised care, witnessing real-time procedures at the multi-speciality wildlife hospital. Messi personally fed okapis, rhinos, giraffes, and elephants, engaging directly with the inhabitants.
His tour also extended beyond the animal centres. He visited the green energy complex and the world's largest refinery complex, where he expressed amazement at the scale and vision of the operations, according to an official release.
A Lion Named Lionel and a Playful Elephant Calf
Two deeply personal moments stood out. At the Foster Care Centre, in a heartfelt gesture, Anant Ambani and Radhika Ambani named a lion cub "Lionel" in honour of the football legend. The emotional pinnacle was at the Elephant Care Centre, where Messi met Maniklal, a rescued elephant calf saved from the logging industry two years ago with his mother, Prathima.
In a spontaneous and joyful interaction, Messi engaged in an impromptu football activity with Maniklal. The calf responded with enthusiastic, playful moves, showcasing his own emerging skills, creating a memorable cross-species connection.
Aligning Visions and a Traditional Farewell
Deeply moved by the experience, Messi responded in Spanish to Anant Ambani's thanks, stating, "What Vantara does is truly beautiful... It is genuinely impressive. We had a wonderful time... We will surely visit again to continue inspiring and supporting this meaningful work." He also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to advancing wildlife care and conservation in India.
Messi, who leads the Leo Messi Foundation, expressed a strong sense of alignment with Vantara's purpose. As the visit concluded, he participated in the traditional rituals of Nariyal Utsarg and Matka Phod, symbolising goodwill and auspicious beginnings, with the ceremony ending in chants for peace and well-being.
The visit seamlessly wove together threads of cultural respect, spiritual humility, and a shared passion for animal welfare, leaving an indelible mark on the football star and highlighting Vantara's mission on a global stage.
