- By Gurmeet Batra
- Tue, 16 Dec 2025 11:17 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Global football sensation Lionel Messi made a poignant visit to Vantara, a wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and conservation centre in Jamnagar, founded by Anant Ambani, where he immersed himself in traditional rituals.
Lionel Messi was accompanied by his Inter Miami teammates, Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul. The trio received a warm traditional welcome, complete with vibrant folk music, floral tributes, and a solemn ceremonial 'Aarti', as he visited the Vantara wildlife conservation centre in Jamnagar.
During the visit, Messi toured Vantara's conservation ecosystem, which houses rescued big cats, elephants, herbivores, reptiles and fostered animals.
He engaged with caregivers and veterinary staff, observing advanced animal welfare practices.
"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 was quoted as saying in a release.
"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."
Messi on Monday ended his much-anticipated G.O.A.T. India Tour after giving his fans a lifetime of memories following his visit to Delhi, the final leg of his three-day visit.
After a messy beginning in Kolkata on the tour's first stop on Saturday, Messi visited Hyderabad and Mumbai before the Delhi leg during his whirlwind trip to India.
(With PTI Inputs)