The world football legend, Lionel Messi, performed Hindu rituals during his visit to Vantara: an animal rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation facility located in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The visit was accompanied by Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, hosted by Anant Ambani and his wife, Radhika Merchant.
A video posted on the official Instagram of Vantara shows Messi doing the Aarties of the temple at the centre, where one can hear him say "Jai Mata Di," echoed by Anant Ambani, Radhika Merchant and others present.
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Vantara Shares Message on compassion, culture and wildlife protection
Vantara posted the video writing, “Vantara was honoured to welcome Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Rodrigo De Paul. They experienced Indian traditions and rituals rooted in our spiritual culture and spent time with the wild residents of Vantara. Witnessing stories of rescue, healing, and care, they were deeply moved by how compassion for animals is woven into everyday life here. A beautiful moment where seva, spirituality, and conservation came together, one that will stay with us forever.” During this visit to the centre, Messi visited different sections of the centre where injured, abandoned, and orphaned animals are cared for.
Take a look at the video:
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Lion cub named ‘Lionel’ in honour of football legend
Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant named a lion cub 'Lionel' in honour of the football legend. While at the Foster Care Centre, an orphanage for animals in vulnerable health, Messi got to know the journey of the rescues. The naming of the lion cub was a symbol of hope and continuity, paying homage to the visit of the football legend Messi.
“At the Foster Care Centre, dedicated to orphaned and vulnerable young animals, Messi learned about their journeys of resilience. In a heartfelt gesture, Anant Ambani and Radhika Ambani together named a lion cub ‘Lionel,’ a name that now represents hope and continuity, given in honour of the football legend,” ANI, citing a Vantara statement reported.
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Messi lauds Vantara’s animal rescue and care efforts
When Anant Ambani expressed his gratitude for the visit, Lionel Messi responded with a few words in Spanish. “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”, ANI reported.
