Messi at Vantara
Credit: Vantara
Messi at Vantara
Credit: Vantara
Global football icon Lionel Messi made a special visit to Vantara, a wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and conservation centre founded by Anant Ambani.
Messi at Vantara
Credit: Vantara
Messi, accompanied by his Inter Miami teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, was welcomed in grand traditional style with vibrant folk music, a showering of flowers and a ceremonial aarti.
Messi at Vantara
Credit: Vantara
The football legend also participated in a Maha Aarti at the temple offering prayers.
Messi at Vantara
Credit: Vantara
After the welcome, Messi went on a guided tour of Vantara’s expansive conservation ecosystem, home to rescued big cats, elephants, herbivores, reptiles and fostered young animals from across the globe.
Messi at Vantara
Credit: Vantara
He also visited the green energy complex and the world’s largest refinery complex, where he expressed amazement at the scale and vision behind the operations.
Messi at Vantara
Credit: Vantara
At the care centre, Messi interacted with animals, many of whom approached him with curiosity.
Messi at Vantara
Credit: Vantara
He stood near the glass enclosure, watching the wild animals calmly.
Messi at Vantara
Credit: Vantara
At the Foster Care Centre, dedicated to orphaned and vulnerable young animals, Messi learned about their journeys of resilience.
Messi at Vantara
Credit: Vantara
The highlight of the tour came at the Elephant Care Centre, where Messi met Maniklal, a rescued elephant calf.
Messi at Vantara
Credit: Vantara
In a heartfelt gesture, Anant Ambani and Radhika Ambani together named a lion cub 'Lionel', a name that now represents hope and continuity, given in honour of the football legend.
Messi at Vantara
Credit: Vantara
Lionel Messi poses with Anant Ambani at Vantara.
Messi at Vantara
Credit: Vantara
Messi poses with his friends while observing white lions resting behind glass at Vantara.
Messi at Vantara
Credit: Vantara
As the visit came to a close, Messi participated in Nariyal Utsarg and Matka Phod, traditional rituals symbolising goodwill and auspicious beginnings.