Lionel Messi paid a visit to Anant Ambani-founded Vantara and explored the centre’s vast conservation landscape
The Anant Ambani-founded Vantara has named a lion cub ‘Lionel’ after football superstar Lionel Messi paid a visit to the wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation centre located in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
Messi was in India for his much-celebrated GOAT India Tour and, prior to the conclusion of his three-day tour, the Argentine footballing great paid a visit to Vantara where he received a warm traditional welcome that included folk music and customary rituals.
Messi, accompanied by his former Barcelona teammate Luis Suárez and Argentine star Rodrigo De Paul during his India visit, participated in an aarti ceremony and also interacted with the teams working on the ground at the conservation and rehabilitation centre and gained information regarding the activities being carried out at Vantara.
He also explored Vantara’s vast conservation landscape, which shelters rescued wildlife including Lions, Tigers, Giraffes, Elephants, herbivores, and other young animals from around the world.
Anant Ambani and his wife, Radhika Merchant, hosted the footballers during their visit.
“Vantara was honoured to welcome Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Rodrigo De Paul. They experienced Indian traditions and rituals rooted in our spiritual culture and spent time with the wild residents of Vantara.
Witnessing stories of rescue, healing, and care, they were deeply moved by how compassion for animals is woven into everyday life here. A beautiful moment where seva, spirituality, and conservation came together, one that will stay with us forever,” the centre posted on its Instagram handle.
The Argentine superstar, during his visit to India, unveiled a giant statue of his in Kolkata, besides meeting Indian football players and connected with fans nationwide.
He also visited Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi before culminating his India tour with a visit to Vantara.
