Lionel Messi's Spiritual Vantara Visit, Welcomed By Anant Ambani And Radhika Merchant With Rituals

Lionel Messi's recent visit to India has taken the football icon all over the country. Recently, his tour led him to Vantara, the animal rescue and rehabilitation centre located in Jamnagar, founded by Anant Ambani. Messi was welcomed by Anant and his wife, Radhika Merchant, with soulful rituals. The footballer's visit also turned quite playful while meeting the wild animals. 

Lionel Messi participated in traditional rituals in Vantara with Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant

Accompanied by his Inter Miami teammates, Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, Lionel Messi visited Vantara. Hosted by Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant, the visit gave the football legend an opportunity to experience India's spirituality, which is interconnected with nature and the environment. Glimpses from Messi's visit show him immersed in doing puja with Anant and Radhika. The Argentine and his teammates also took part in Hindu rituals to invoke prosperity and sat together for a serene chanting session. 

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Lionel Messi met his namesake lion and played with a baby elephant 

The spiritual visit of Messi to Vantara took a heart-warming turn when he met with a lion cub named after him, 'Lionel'. In honour of their special guest, Anant and Radhika named the cub after the Argentine footballer. Vantara shared a statement with ANI on this, saying that the name of the cub now represents "hope and continuity". 

Messi also had a playful moment with one of the most ardent football fans, Maneklal, who is a baby elephant. A video that has gone viral, shows Messi kicking a football towards Maneklal, who resides in the elephant enclosure. The calf promptly sent the ball towards Messi again. This cute moment from Vantara has everyone's hearts. 

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Lionel Messi was impressed by the work undertaken by Vantara in caring for animals 

Messi was given a tour around Vantara. Information about the rescue and rehabilitation operations, veterinary care, and nutrition provided to the animals was shared with the footballer. Messi expressed a lot of appreciation to Anant and Radhika for the work they are doing through Vantara. As per ANI, Messi was quoted as saying:

“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 ended his GOAT India Tour 2025 in Jamnagar

Lionel Messi's GOAT India Tour 2025 came to a spiritual conclusion in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The tour started in Kolkata, then Messi made his way through cities such as Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi. With this tour through India, Lionel Messi met with many Indian dignitaries. He was felicitated by political leaders, sportspersons, and stars of the Indian film industry. After a personal invitation from Anant and Radhika, Messi chose to end his tour with a visit to the Ambani couple. 

What are your thoughts on Lionel Messi's visit to Vantara? 

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