- Lionel Messi honours Indian spiritual traditions and wildlife at Vantara sanctuary
- Inter Miami stars join global icon in engaging with rescued animals and care teams
- Messi lauds India’s conservation efforts and expresses eagerness to return
NE ENVIRONMENT BUREAU
JAMNAGAR, DEC 16
Football legend Lionel Messi made a memorable visit to Vantara, the wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and conservation centre founded by Anant Ambani, blending his global stature with deep respect for India’s cultural and ecological heritage.
Accompanied by Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, Messi received a warm traditional welcome complete with folk music, floral offerings and a ceremonial aarti. Embracing the cultural ethos of Vantara, he participated in temple rituals—including Ambe Mata Puja, Ganesh Puja, Hanuman Puja and Shiv Abhishek—offering prayers for peace, unity and harmony.
Messi then toured Vantara’s diverse conservation facilities, interacting with rescued big cats, elephants, herbivores, reptiles and other fostered animals. His visit also covered the centre’s green energy and refinery complexes, where he expressed admiration for the scale, sustainability vision and technological integration.
At the wildlife care centres, the Argentine icon observed animals thriving under specialized veterinary care and bio-secure, naturalistic environments. He visited the multi-speciality wildlife hospital, watched ongoing medical procedures, and personally fed giraffes, rhinos and elephants—moments that delighted caregivers and onlookers alike.
A highlight of the day was Messi’s time at the Elephant Care Centre, where he shared a playful football-themed enrichment session with a rescued elephant calf named Maniklal. In a heartfelt gesture, Anant and Radhika Ambani presented Messi with a lion cub named “Lionel” in his honour, celebrating the bond between the global sports star and India’s wildlife.
Reflecting on his experience, Messi said: “This visit to Vantara was truly memorable. I have immense respect for the work being done here to protect and care for wildlife. It’s inspiring to see such dedication to nature, and I would love to visit again.”
Messi’s engagement with caregivers and conservation teams highlighted not just his appreciation for environmental stewardship, but also his willingness to connect with local communities and support global conservation narratives.
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