ON A SPECIAL VISIT TO ANANT AMBANI’S VANTARA, LIONEL MESSI EXPERIENCES UNFORGETTABLE ENCOUNTERS WITH SACRED INDIAN TRADITIONS AND WILDLIFE

By Admin

17 Dec, 2025

Introduction
Global football icon Lionel Messi recently made a deeply meaningful visit to Vantara, a wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and conservation centre founded by Anant Ambani. The visit stood as a rare blend of spirituality, culture, compassion and conservation, offering Messi a firsthand experience of India’s ancient traditions and its modern, science-driven approach to wildlife welfare.

A Sacred Welcome Rooted in Sanatana Dharma
At Vantara, every initiative begins with seeking blessings in accordance with Sanatana Dharma, a philosophy that emphasises reverence for nature and respect for all living beings. Reflecting this ethos, Messi participated in traditional Hindu rituals upon arrival. He was welcomed in grand traditional style with vibrant folk music, a ceremonial aarti and a showering of flowers symbolising purity of intent and blessings. Accompanied by his Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, Messi embraced the cultural warmth with humility and grace.

Participation in Maha Aarti and Temple Rituals
One of the most spiritually significant moments of the visit was Messi’s participation in a Maha Aarti at the temple. This included Ambe Mata Puja, Ganesh Puja, Hanuman Puja and Shiv Abhishek. Through these rituals, Messi offered prayers for world peace and unity, aligning seamlessly with India’s timeless philosophy of harmony between humans, nature and all living beings.

Exploring Vantara’s Expansive Conservation Ecosystem
Following the ceremonial welcome, Messi embarked on a guided tour of Vantara’s vast conservation ecosystem. The centre is home to rescued big cats, elephants, herbivores, reptiles and fostered young animals from across the globe. Messi also visited the green energy complex and the world’s largest refinery complex, where he expressed amazement at the sheer scale, vision and sustainable intent behind the operations.

Encounters with Rescued Wildlife
At the Big Cat Care Centre, Messi interacted with lions, leopards, tigers and other endangered species thriving in enriched, naturalistic environments. Many of the animals approached him with curiosity, reflecting the calm and humane care they receive. He later visited the Herbivore Care Centre and the Reptile Care Centre, observing animals flourishing under specialised veterinary care, customised nutrition plans, behavioural training and advanced husbandry protocols that demonstrate Vantara’s global leadership in wildlife welfare.

Inside the Multi-Speciality Wildlife Hospital
Messi also toured Vantara’s multi-speciality wildlife hospital, where he witnessed real-time clinical and surgical procedures. The experience highlighted the centre’s commitment to combining compassion with cutting-edge medical science. Later, he fed okapis, rhinos, giraffes and elephants, creating moments of connection that underscored the emotional bond between humans and animals.

Recognition of India’s Conservation Vision
From a global perspective, Messi praised the commitment of the Prime Minister of India toward advancing wildlife care and conservation in the country. His acknowledgment reflected how India’s conservation efforts are increasingly gaining international respect and recognition.

A Heartfelt Moment at the Foster Care Centre
At the Foster Care Centre, dedicated to orphaned and vulnerable young animals, Messi learned about their journeys of resilience and recovery. In a touching gesture, Anant Ambani and Radhika Ambani together named a lion cub “Lionel” in his honour. The name now symbolises hope, continuity and a shared commitment to protecting wildlife for future generations.

A Memorable Encounter with Maniklal the Elephant
The highlight of the visit came at the Elephant Care Centre, where Messi met Maniklal, a rescued elephant calf saved along with his ailing mother Prathima from harsh labour in the logging industry two years ago. In a heartwarming and spontaneous moment, Messi engaged in a football enrichment activity with Maniklal. The calf responded enthusiastically, playfully showcasing his emerging skills and proving that play truly is a universal language. This moment became one of the most unforgettable highlights of Messi’s visit to India.

Words of Appreciation and Shared Values
Responding in Spanish to Anant Ambani’s words of gratitude, Messi expressed deep admiration for Vantara’s mission. He said that the work being done for animals, the care they receive and the way they are rescued and nurtured is genuinely impressive. He shared that the experience left a lasting impact and affirmed his intention to visit again to continue supporting and inspiring this meaningful work.

A Meaningful Conclusion with Traditional Rituals
As the visit drew to a close, Messi participated in Nariyal Utsarg and Matka Phod, traditional rituals symbolising 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.

Alignment with a Global Humanitarian Vision
Messi, who leads the Leo Messi Foundation dedicated to social causes, education, healthcare and children’s welfare worldwide, expressed a strong sense of alignment with Vantara’s purpose. He appreciated its vision of compassionate, science-driven care for animals, making his visit not just a cultural experience, but a powerful statement of global unity, empathy and responsibility toward all living beings.