Lionel Messi Visits Vantara, Embraces Indian Traditions and Wildlife Conservation
Jamnagar, India | 16 December 2025 :l Global football legend Lionel Messi paid a special visit to Vantara, the renowned wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and conservation centre founded by Anant Ambani, where he experienced India’s rich spiritual traditions alongside world-class wildlife conservation efforts. Vantara’s initiatives are rooted in Sanatana Dharma, which promotes harmony with nature and respect for all living beings, a philosophy reflected throughout Messi’s visit.
During his time at the centre, Messi participated in traditional Hindu rituals, explored conservation facilities and interacted with wildlife caregivers and veterinary teams. His visit highlighted the humility, compassion and humanitarian spirit he is known for globally, while also underscoring the close bond he shares with Anant Ambani, who is deeply committed to wildlife protection.
Messi was accompanied by his Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul. The delegation received a grand traditional welcome featuring vibrant folk music, flower showers symbolising purity and blessings, and a ceremonial aarti. Messi also took part in a Maha Aarti at the temple, including Ambe Mata Puja, Ganesh Puja, Hanuman Puja and Shiv Abhishek, offering prayers for global peace and unity in line with India’s age-old spiritual values.
Following the welcome, Messi toured Vantara’s expansive conservation ecosystem, which shelters rescued big cats, elephants, herbivores, reptiles and fostered young animals from across the world. He also visited the green energy complex and the world’s largest refinery complex, expressing admiration for the scale, innovation and vision behind these initiatives.
At the Big Cat Care Centre, Messi observed lions, leopards and tigers thriving in enriched, natural habitats, many of whom approached him with curiosity. He later visited the Herbivore and Reptile Care Centres, witnessing specialised veterinary care, tailored nutrition programs and advanced animal welfare practices that position Vantara as a global leader in conservation. His visit also included a tour of the multi-specialty wildlife hospital, where he observed live clinical and surgical procedures, and participated in feeding okapis, rhinos, giraffes and elephants.
Messi praised India’s growing focus on wildlife protection, acknowledging the commitment of the Prime Minister of India towards advancing conservation efforts nationwide.At the Foster Care Centre, dedicated to orphaned and vulnerable animals, Messi learned about stories of survival and rehabilitation. In a symbolic and heartfelt gesture, Anant Ambani and Radhika Ambani named a rescued lion cub “Lionel” in his honour, representing hope, continuity and compassion.
One of the most memorable moments of the visit took place at the Elephant Care Centre, where Messi met Maniklal, a young elephant rescued along with his ailing mother Prathima from exploitative logging labour two years ago. In a spontaneous and touching interaction, Messi engaged Maniklal in a football-inspired enrichment activity. The playful exchange delighted onlookers, showcasing the universal language of play and becoming a highlight of Messi’s India visit.
Responding in Spanish to Anant Ambani’s gratitude for inspiring compassion towards animals and humanity, Messi said,“What Vantara does is truly beautiful. The way animals are rescued, cared for and protected is genuinely impressive. We felt completely comfortable and welcomed here. It is an experience that stays with you, and we will certainly return to continue supporting this meaningful work.”
As the visit concluded, Messi participated in traditional rituals including Nariyal Utsarg and Matka Phod, symbolising goodwill and auspicious beginnings. The ceremony ended with prayers for peace and well-being, reflecting the shared values that connect Vantara’s mission with Messi’s global legacy.Messi, who leads the Leo Messi Foundation supporting education, healthcare, children’s welfare and social causes worldwide, expressed deep alignment with Vantara’s vision of compassionate, science-driven wildlife care.