JAMNAGAR, India, Dec. 19, 2025 — Football superstar Lionel Messi paid a special visit to Vantara, a wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation facility established by Anant Ambani. The center’s activities customarily start with blessings sought in line with Sanatana Dharma, a philosophy that highlights respect for nature and all life forms. Messi’s experience embodied this cultural spirit as he took part in traditional ceremonies, viewed wildlife, and met with caregivers and conservation staff. His participation during the tour demonstrated the humility and humanitarian principles he is known for and emphasized the strong friendship with Anant Ambani, built on a mutual dedication to wildlife conservation.
Messi, who was joined by his Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, received a grand traditional welcome featuring lively folk music, a shower of flowers representing blessings and pure intent, and a ceremonial aarti. The football icon also joined a Maha Aarti at the temple, which involved Ambe Mata Puja, Ganesh Puja, Hanuman Puja, and Shiv Abhishek, praying for global peace and unity, consistent with India’s enduring principle of honoring all living creatures.
After the welcome ceremony, Messi began a guided exploration of Vantara’s vast conservation network, which houses rescued big cats, elephants, herbivores, reptiles, and fostered young animals from around the world. He also toured the green energy complex and the world’s largest refinery complex, where he voiced his astonishment at the scope and ambition of the operations.
At the care facility for lions, leopards, tigers, and other endangered species, Messi engaged with animals living prosperously in enriched, natural habitats, with several showing curiosity towards him. He then proceeded to the Herbivore Care Centre and the Reptile Care Centre, where he saw animals thriving thanks to specialized veterinary attention, tailored nutrition, behavioral training, and husbandry practices that underscore Vantara’s international standing in animal welfare. He also visited the multi-specialty wildlife hospital, observing live clinical and surgical operations, and later fed okapis, rhinos, giraffes, and elephants. He also commended the Indian Prime Minister’s dedication to promoting wildlife care and conservation nationwide.
At the Foster Care Centre, which focuses on orphaned and vulnerable young animals, Messi heard stories of their resilience. In a touching moment, Anant Ambani and Radhika Ambani jointly named a lion cub “Lionel,” a name symbolizing hope and continuity, bestowed in tribute to the football legend.
A key moment of the tour occurred at the Elephant Care Centre, where Messi encountered Maniklal, a rescued elephant calf saved with his sick mother, Prathima, from difficult conditions in the logging industry two years prior. In a heartwarming scene, Messi took part in a spontaneous football-based enrichment activity with Maniklal, illustrating the universal nature of play. The calf reacted with enthusiasm, displaying playful movements that revealed his developing abilities, creating one of the most standout memories from Messi’s time in India.
Responding in Spanish to Anant Ambani, who expressed gratitude for his visit and for his selfless inspiration to people and animals, Messi stated, “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. We had a wonderful time, felt completely at ease throughout, and it is an experience that stays with you. We will surely visit again to continue inspiring and supporting this meaningful work.”
“For the first time, two global icons came together—one renowned for sporting excellence, the other for leadership in business and wildlife conservation” Says Bharat Mehra, Chief Advisor to Anant Ambani.
As the visit concluded, Messi took part in Nariyal Utsarg and Matka Phod, traditional rituals that signify goodwill and favorable new beginnings. The event ended with chants for peace and wellness, highlighting the common values that connect Vantara’s mission with Messi’s worldwide legacy. Messi, who heads the Leo Messi Foundation focused on social causes, education, healthcare, and children’s welfare globally, conveyed a strong connection with Vantara’s goals and admiration for its vision of empathetic, scientifically-grounded animal care.
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