Global football icon Lionel Messi immersed himself in Indian spiritual traditions during a special visit to the Vantara wildlife conservation centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The visit, which took place on December 18, 2025, was hosted by Anant Ambani and his wife Radhika Merchant, creating a unique fusion of sports stardom, conservation, and culture.
A Spiritual Experience at Vantara
The highlight of the visit was Messi's active participation in several Hindu rituals. A video shared on Vantara's official Instagram page captured the Argentine superstar engaging deeply with the ceremonies. Messi was seen offering aarti inside a temple located within the vast facility, alongside his Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul.
In a moment that quickly went viral, Messi can be heard clearly chanting "Jai Mata Di", a devotional salutation to the Hindu goddess Durga, with the chant echoed by Anant Ambani and others present. The footage further shows Messi performing abhishekam by pouring milk over a shivaling, during which he also chanted "Har Har Mahadev." His experience included participating in a sacred hawan (fire ritual) and meditating while chanting "Om."
Honouring Messi with a Lion Cub and a Lavish Gift
The visit was not only spiritual but also deeply connected to Vantara's core mission of animal rescue and rehabilitation. Messi toured the centre, learning about its efforts to care for injured, abandoned, and orphaned animals. In a heartfelt gesture, Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant named a lion cub 'Lionel' in honour of the football legend. Vantara stated this name now "represents hope and continuity."
Adding to the memorable occasion, Anant Ambani presented Messi with an extraordinarily rare gift: an ultra-rare Richard Mille watch valued at over Rs 9 crore. This grand gesture underscored the significance of the football star's visit to the facility.
Vantara's Reflection on the Visit
In a detailed caption accompanying the viral video, Vantara expressed its honour in welcoming the football stars. The caption read, "They experienced Indian traditions and rituals rooted in our spiritual culture and spent time with the wild residents... Witnessing stories of rescue, healing, and care, they were deeply moved by how compassion for animals is woven into everyday life here." It described the event as "a beautiful moment where seva, spirituality, and conservation came together."
Messi's India tour, which began in Kolkata, faced some initial organizational hiccups but subsequently saw massive crowds in Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi. However, his stop at the Vantara centre in Jamnagar stood out for its deeply personal and culturally rich experience, offering the world a glimpse of Messi embracing India's spiritual heritage with reverence and curiosity.
