In Pics| Lionel Messi’s wildlife experience at Anant Ambani’s Vantara

Football legend Lionel Messi was hosted at Anant Ambani’s Vantara, a dedicated hub for wildlife conservation and rehabilitation.

Messi at 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

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

The football legend also participated in a Maha Aarti at the temple offering prayers.

Messi at 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

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

At the care centre, Messi interacted with animals, many of whom approached him with curiosity.

Messi at Vantara

He stood near the glass enclosure, watching the wild animals calmly.

Messi at Vantara

At the Foster Care Centre, dedicated to orphaned and vulnerable young animals, Messi learned about their journeys of resilience.

Messi at Vantara

The highlight of the tour came at the Elephant Care Centre, where Messi met Maniklal, a rescued elephant calf.

Messi at 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

Lionel Messi poses with Anant Ambani at Vantara.

Messi at Vantara

Messi poses with his friends while observing white lions resting behind glass at Vantara.

Messi at Vantara

As the visit came to a close, Messi participated in Nariyal Utsarg and Matka Phod, traditional rituals symbolising goodwill and auspicious beginnings.