Jamnagar, India.— During his recent visit to India, global football icon Lionel Messi experienced a side of the country far removed from stadiums and roaring crowds. At Vantara, the wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and conservation centre founded by Anant Ambani, Messi’s tour evolved into a powerful narrative of compassion, spirituality and conservation—one that has since become one of the most memorable chapters of his India trip.

Messi was welcomed to Vantara alongside his Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, in a ceremony deeply rooted in India’s spiritual traditions. Greeted with folk music, flower showers and a ceremonial aarti, the Argentine legend participated in age-old Hindu rituals reflecting Sanatana Dharma, a philosophy that emphasizes harmony between humanity and nature. Dressed in traditional Indian colors, Messi bowed before the deities and offered prayers to Lord Shiva, symbolically embracing the cultural ethos of reverence for life.

The visit unfolded as a guided journey through Vantara’s vast conservation ecosystem, home to rescued animals from across the world. Messi observed lions, tigers and leopards at the Big Cat Care Centre, where animals live in expansive, naturalistic environments designed for long-term rehabilitation rather than display. At the Herbivore and Reptile Care Centres, he witnessed advanced veterinary care, specialized nutrition programs and science-driven animal welfare practices that have positioned Vantara as a global benchmark in conservation.

One of the most emotional moments came at the Foster Care Centre, where Messi learned the stories of orphaned and vulnerable animals saved from exploitation and neglect. In a symbolic gesture of hope, Anant Ambani and Radhika Ambani named a rescued lion cub “Lionel”, honoring Messi’s legacy and the values he represents.

The highlight of the visit, however, took place at the Elephant Care Centre, where Messi met Maniklal, a rescued elephant calf saved along with his ailing mother, Pratima, from forced labor in the logging industry two years ago. In a scene that quickly went viral, Messi gently kicked a football toward the young elephant, engaging in an impromptu game that transcended language, culture and species. The moment captured the universal power of play—and compassion.

Messi also toured Vantara’s multi-specialty wildlife hospital, observing live clinical procedures and rehabilitation efforts, and later fed giraffes, rhinos, okapis and elephants under the supervision of caretakers. Throughout the visit, he expressed admiration for the scale, sustainability and long-term vision behind the initiative, as well as India’s broader commitment to wildlife conservation.

Visibly moved, Messi later reflected on the experience, describing Vantara’s work as “truly beautiful” and praising the care, dignity and respect shown to every animal. He emphasized how the visit aligned with the mission of the Leo Messi Foundation, which focuses on social causes, education, healthcare and children’s welfare worldwide.

As the visit concluded with traditional rituals symbolizing new beginnings and goodwill, Messi’s time at Vantara stood out not merely as a celebrity appearance, but as a moment where sport, spirituality and environmental responsibility converged, leaving a lasting impression on both the football legend and the global audience following his journey through India.