Football icon Lionel Messi visited Vantara, a wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and conservation centre founded by Reliance chairman Mukesh Ambani’s youngest son, Anant Ambani.
Messi was welcomed in a traditional manner, where he sought blessings in accordance with Sanatana Dharma, which emphasises respect for nature and all living beings.
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Messi’s visit reflected rich cultural ethos as he took part in traditional Hindu rituals, observed wildlife, and interacted with caregivers and conservation teams.
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Videos circulating on social media show Messi participating in a Maha Aarti at the temple, including Ambe Mata Puja, Ganesh Puja, Hanuman Puja and Shiv Abhishek, offering prayers for world peace and unity.
The football icon was seen performing rituals while chanting Har Har Mahadev and offering milk to the Shiva Linga. He also chanted Har Har Mahadev and Jai Mata Di.
Earlier, Messi, accompanied by his Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, was welcomed in a grand traditional style with vibrant folk music, a showering of flowers symbolising blessings and purity of intent, and a ceremonial aarti.
The global football icon’s engagements during the visit reflected the humility and humanitarian values for which he is widely recognised. They also highlighted the warm bond and friendship he shares with Anant Ambani, rooted in a shared commitment to wildlife conservation.
Messi also embarked on a guided tour of Vantara’s expansive conservation ecosystem, home to rescued big cats, elephants, herbivores, reptiles, and fostered young animals from across the globe.
He also visited the green energy complex and the world’s largest refinery complex, where he expressed amazement at the scale and vision behind the operations.
At the care centre for lions, leopards, tigers and other endangered species, Messi interacted with animals thriving in enriched, naturalistic environments, many of whom approached him with curiosity.
He then visited the Herbivore Care Centre and the Reptile Care Centre, where he observed animals flourishing under specialised veterinary care, customised nutrition, behavioural training and husbandry protocols that reflect Vantara’s global leadership in wildlife welfare.