Lionel Messi was warmly welcomed at Vantara by Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant through traditional rituals steeped in spirituality. The football legend’s recent visit has seen him travel across multiple cities, engaging with diverse cultures. During his latest stop, Messi explored Vantara, the animal rescue and rehabilitation centre in Jamnagar, founded by Anant Ambani. Anant and Radhika received him with soulful ceremonies reflecting Indian traditions. The visit also took a lighter turn as Messi interacted playfully with rescued wildlife, adding warmth and charm to an already memorable experience for fans and animal lovers witnessing his compassionate side during the tour.
Lionel Messi Joins Traditional Rituals at Vantara with Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant
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Accompanied by his Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, Lionel Messi visited Vantara during his India tour. Hosted by Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant, the visit offered the football icon a glimpse into India’s spiritual traditions, deeply rooted in harmony with nature and the environment. Visuals from the visit showed Messi performing puja alongside his hosts. The Argentine star and his teammates also participated in Hindu rituals seeking prosperity and later joined a calm, meditative chanting session. Click here to watch the video.
Messi Meets His Namesake Lion and Enjoys Time with a Baby Elephant
Messi’s spiritual visit to Vantara became even more heart-warming when he met a lion cub named after him, ‘Lionel’. To honour their distinguished guest, Anant and Radhika chose to name the cub after the Argentine football legend. Sharing a statement with ANI, Vantara said the cub’s name now symbolises “hope and continuity,” marking the occasion as a meaningful and memorable tribute.
Messi also shared a light-hearted moment with one of the most devoted football fans at Vantara—Maneklal, a baby elephant. A now-viral video shows the football legend gently kicking a ball towards the elephant calf in his enclosure, only for Maneklal to playfully return it. This adorable exchange quickly won hearts online, becoming one of the most cherished moments from Messi’s visit. Click here to watch the video.
Messi was captivated by Vantara’s dedicated work in animal welfare
Messi was guided on a tour of Vantara, where he was briefed about the rescue and rehabilitation efforts, veterinary care, and nutritional programs for the animals. He expressed deep admiration for the work Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant are doing through Vantara. According to ANI, Messi remarked:
“What Vantara does is truly beautiful, the work for animals, the care they receive, the way they are rescued and looked after. It 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.”
Lionel Messi Concludes His GOAT India Tour 2025 in Jamnagar
Lionel Messi’s GOAT India Tour 2025 concluded on a spiritual note in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The journey began in Kolkata and took him through Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi. During the tour, Messi interacted with numerous Indian dignitaries and was felicitated by political leaders, athletes, and Bollywood stars. Following a personal invitation from Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant, Messi decided to conclude his tour with a special visit to the Ambani residence.