Lionel Messi's Heartwarming Visit to Vantara Wildlife Conservation Centre
Messi's Special Visit to Vantara
Jamnagar (Gujarat) [India], December 16: Renowned football superstar Lionel Messi recently visited Vantara, a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center established by Anant Ambani. The center's initiatives begin with seeking blessings in line with Sanatana Dharma, which emphasizes respect for nature and all living beings, as noted in a release.
During his visit, Messi engaged in traditional Hindu rituals, observed various wildlife, and interacted with caregivers and conservation teams, showcasing the humility and humanitarian spirit for which he is celebrated.
The visit highlighted the strong friendship between Messi and Anant Ambani, both united by their dedication to wildlife conservation.
Accompanied by his Inter Miami teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, Messi received a grand welcome featuring vibrant folk music, flower showers symbolizing blessings, and a ceremonial aarti, as stated in the release.
Messi also took part in a Maha Aarti at the temple, which included Ambe Mata Puja, Ganesh Puja, Hanuman Puja, and Shiv Abhishek, offering prayers for global peace and unity, reflecting India's enduring respect for all living beings.
After the welcome, Messi toured Vantara's extensive conservation ecosystem, which houses rescued big cats, elephants, herbivores, reptiles, and young animals from around the world.
He also visited the green energy complex and the world's largest refinery, expressing his amazement at the scale and vision of the operations.
At the lion, leopard, and tiger care center, Messi interacted with animals thriving in enriched environments, many of whom approached him with curiosity.
He then explored the Herbivore Care Centre and the Reptile Care Centre, observing animals receiving specialized veterinary care, tailored nutrition, and behavioral training, showcasing Vantara's leadership in wildlife welfare.
During his visit, Messi toured the multi-specialty wildlife hospital, witnessed clinical and surgical procedures, and later fed okapis, rhinos, giraffes, and elephants.
From a broader perspective, he commended the Indian Prime Minister's commitment to enhancing wildlife care and conservation efforts in the country.
At the Foster Care Centre for orphaned and vulnerable young animals, Messi learned about their resilience journeys. In a touching moment, Anant Ambani and Radhika Ambani named a lion cub 'Lionel,' symbolizing hope and continuity in honor of the football star.
The highlight of the visit was at the Elephant Care Centre, where Messi met Maniklal, a rescued elephant calf saved from harsh labor alongside his ailing mother, Prathima, two years ago.
In a heartwarming moment, Messi engaged in an impromptu football activity with Maniklal, showcasing the universal language of play. The calf responded enthusiastically, demonstrating his emerging skills, making it a memorable part of Messi's visit to India.
Expressing gratitude in Spanish to Anant Ambani for the inspiring visit, Messi remarked, 'What Vantara does is truly beautiful, the work for animals, the care they receive, the way they are rescued and looked after 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.'
As the visit wrapped up, Messi participated in Nariyal Utsarg and Matka Phod, traditional rituals symbolizing goodwill and auspicious beginnings. The ceremony concluded with chants for peace and well-being, reinforcing the shared values that connect Vantara's mission with Messi's global legacy.
Messi, who heads the Leo Messi Foundation focused on social causes, education, healthcare, and children's welfare worldwide, expressed a profound alignment with Vantara's mission and appreciation for its vision of compassionate, science-driven animal care.