ON A SPECIAL VISIT TO ANANT AMBANI’S VANTARA, LIONEL MESSI EXPERIENCES UNFORGETTABLE ENCOUNTERS WITH SACRED INDIAN TRADITIONS AND WILDLIFE

Global soccer superstar Lionel Messi recently took a special trip to Vantara, a wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation center established by Anant Ambani. The center, which operates on principles of Sanatana Dharma, emphasizes reverence for nature and all living creatures, and Messi's visit reflected this ethos.

Messi's time at Vantara included participation in traditional Hindu rituals, observation of the diverse wildlife, and interactions with the dedicated caregivers and conservation teams. These engagements highlighted both his widely recognized humility and humanitarian values, and the strong friendship he shares with Anant Ambani, stemming from their mutual commitment to wildlife conservation.

Upon arrival, Messi, accompanied by his Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, received a traditional grand welcome featuring vibrant folk music, a shower of flowers symbolizing blessings and purity, and a ceremonial aarti. The football icon also took part in a Maha Aarti at the temple, which included Ambe Mata Puja, Ganesh Puja, Hanuman Puja, and Shiv Abhishek, offering prayers for global peace and unity, aligning with India's long-standing respect for all life.

Following the welcome ceremony, Messi was given a guided tour of Vantara's extensive conservation ecosystem. This sanctuary provides a home to rescued big cats, elephants, herbivores, reptiles, and fostered young animals from various parts of the world. He also toured the green energy complex and the world’s largest refinery complex, expressing amazement at their scale and the vision behind their operation.

At the specialized care center for lions, leopards, tigers, and other endangered species, Messi observed animals thriving in enriched, naturalistic environments. Many of these animals approached him with curiosity. He subsequently visited the Herbivore Care Centre and the Reptile Care Centre, observing animals flourishing under specialized veterinary care, customized nutrition, behavioral training, and husbandry protocols, showcasing Vantara's global leadership in wildlife welfare.

During his visit, Messi also toured the multi-specialty wildlife hospital, witnessing clinical and surgical procedures in real-time. He later participated in feeding okapis, rhinos, giraffes, and elephants. He also voiced his appreciation for the Prime Minister of India’s dedication to advancing wildlife care and conservation within the country.

At the Foster Care Centre, which is dedicated to orphaned and vulnerable young animals, Messi learned about their inspiring journeys of resilience. In a touching gesture, Anant Ambani and Radhika Ambani together named a lion cub "Lionel," honoring the football legend and symbolizing hope and continuity.

A key moment of the tour occurred at the Elephant Care Centre, where Messi encountered Maniklal, a rescued elephant calf saved from harsh labor in the logging industry along with his ailing mother, Prathima, two years prior. Messi engaged in an impromptu football enrichment activity with Maniklal, demonstrating the universal appeal of play. The calf responded enthusiastically, displaying his own emerging skills and creating one of the most memorable moments of Messi’s visit.

In response to Anant Ambani's gratitude for his visit, Messi, speaking in Spanish, stated, “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.”

As his visit concluded, Messi participated in Nariyal Utsarg and Matka Phod, traditional rituals symbolizing goodwill and auspicious beginnings. The ceremony concluded with chants for peace and well-being, highlighting the shared values that connect Vantara's mission with Messi's global legacy. Messi, who leads the Leo Messi Foundation dedicated to social causes, education, healthcare, and children’s welfare worldwide, expressed a strong sense of alignment with Vantara’s purpose and appreciation for its vision of compassionate, science-driven care for animals.