Argentine football legend Lionel Messi embraced Indian culture on Tuesday, participating in traditional Hindu rituals during a special visit to the Vantara animal rescue and care facility in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The facility was established by the Reliance Foundation.
A Spiritual Welcome in Jamnagar
Accompanied by Anant Ambani, Messi engaged in ceremonies like Nariyal Utsarg and Matka Phod, which are symbolic of goodwill and auspicious beginnings. The visit, which followed the conclusion of his G.O.A.T. India tour, was marked by a grand traditional welcome.
In a statement, Vantara highlighted that Messi, who leads the Leo Messi Foundation, felt a "deep sense of alignment with Vantara’s purpose". He appreciated its vision of providing compassionate, science-driven care for animals.
Photos shared by Reliance showed the football icon seeking blessings at a temple, performing a Maha Aarti, and participating in prayers dedicated to Ambe Mata, Lord Ganesha, Hanuman, and Lord Shiva. According to the statement, Messi offered prayers for world peace and unity, resonating with India's ethos of reverence for all living beings.
Messi's Impressions and Tour Highlights
Messi was not alone on this visit; his Inter Miami teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul joined him. The group toured the expansive facility, home to rescued elephants, big cats, and other animals.
"What Vantara does is truly beautiful, the work for animals, the care they receive, the way they are rescued and looked after. It is genuinely impressive," Messi was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.
His second visit to India, after 2011, was a whirlwind tour across multiple cities. It began with a statue unveiling and faced chaos in Kolkata, where disappointed fans vandalized the Salt Lake Stadium. The incident led to the resignation of West Bengal's sports minister, Arup Biswas.
In Hyderabad, a viral moment featured Chief Minister Revanth Reddy attempting to pass the ball to Messi in full football kit, drawing mixed reactions. The stops in Mumbai and Delhi were marked by enthusiastic fan gatherings, with Delhi fans creatively chanting "AQI" to highlight the city's air quality.
A Grateful Farewell
Despite the tumultuous moments, Messi expressed heartfelt gratitude to his Indian fans. On Instagram, he bid farewell, writing, "What incredible visits to Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Kolkata. Thanks for the warm welcome, great hospitality and all the expressions of love throughout my tour."
He concluded his message with a hopeful note for the sport's growth in the country: "I hope football has a bright future in India!"
