Pictures of Lionel Messi at Vantara, View Photographs & Details; Football Legend Meets Anant Ambani in Jamnagar

When the GOAT Met the Wild: Lionel Messi’s Unforgettable Visit to Vantara, See Pictures and Videos Below.

Jamnagar, India – In a historic union of global stardom and conservation, football legend Lionel Messi visited Vantara, the world-class wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat. Hosted by Vantara’s founder, Anant Ambani, and Radhika Merchant, the Argentine icon’s visit marked a spiritual and humanitarian conclusion to his "G.O.A.T. India Tour 2025."


Pics: Lionel Messi Visits Vantara

Accompanying the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner were his Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul. Together, they explored the vast 3,000-acre ecosystem that has become a global benchmark for animal welfare.

A Traditional Welcome For Messi at Vantara and Spiritual Immersion

The visit began with a deep immersion into Indian culture. The trio was greeted with vibrant folk music, a floral petal shower, and a traditional ceremonial Aarti.

Pictures of Messi From Vantara


Lionel Messi visited Vantara, where traditions begin with Sanatana Dharma.

He participated in Maha Aarti and Ambe Mata Puja to seek blessings.

The visit highlighted Vantara’s core philosophy: Faith, Compassion, and Conservation.


Reflecting Vantara’s foundation in Sanatana Dharma-which emphasizes reverence for all living beings-Messi participated in a Maha Aarti at the temple. He performed rituals including Ambe Mata Puja, Ganesh Puja, Hanuman Puja, and Shiv Abhishek, offering prayers for world peace and global unity.

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Close Encounters with the Rescued

Led by Anant Ambani, Messi embarked on a guided tour of the expansive care centers. The football legend showed particular interest in the science-driven rehabilitation protocols:

Elephant Care Centre: 
The emotional heart of the tour was Messi’s meeting with Maniklal, a rescued elephant calf. In a moment that delighted onlookers, Messi engaged in an impromptu football-themed enrichment activity with the young calf, proving that the language of play is truly universal.

Big Cat Care Centre: 
Messi observed lions, leopards, and tigers thriving in naturalistic enclosures. In a special gesture to honor his visit, Anant and Radhika Ambani named a rescued lion cub "Lionel."


More Photos of Messi From Vantara


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Medical Innovation: 
The visitors toured the multi-specialty wildlife hospital, witnessing real-time clinical procedures. Messi also spent time feeding rhinos, giraffes, and okapis, interacting closely with the dedicated veterinary staff.

"Truly Beautiful": Messi’s Tribute to Vantara

Speaking in Spanish, Messi expressed deep admiration for the scale and compassion of the initiative.

"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," Messi stated. "We had a wonderful time and felt completely at ease. It is an experience that stays with you. We will surely visit again to continue supporting this meaningful work."

Messi Vantara Photograps

Pictured from left to right are Rodrigo De Paul, Luis Suárez, Lionel Messi, Anant Ambani, and Radhika Merchant.

Messi's Landmark Tour Concludes

Before arriving in Jamnagar, Messi’s tour had electrified fans in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi. From meeting Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Chhetri at Wankhede Stadium to receiving a signed cricket bat from ICC Chairman Jay Shah, the tour bridged the gap between global football and Indian culture.

The Jamnagar stop, however, highlighted a different side of the athlete-his commitment to humanitarian causes. As the visit concluded with rituals symbolizing auspicious beginnings, the partnership between Messi’s global legacy and Vantara’s mission of "Compassion for All" left an indelible mark on the landscape of Indian conservation.


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