Messi Visits Reliance Vantara – Lion Cub Named Lionel!

Global football legend Lionel Messi, along with his Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, made a special visit to Vantara, the wildlife rescue and conservation centre in Jamnagar founded by Anant Ambani. The visit began with traditional Hindu rituals in line with Sanatana Dharma, including a grand welcome with folk music, flower showers, and a Maha Aarti featuring Ambe Mata Puja, Ganesh Puja, Hanuman Puja, and Shiv Abhishek. Messi participated humbly, offering prayers for world peace. He then toured the expansive facility, interacting with rescued big cats, elephants, herbivores, reptiles, and young animals in naturalistic environments. At the lion care centre, a cub was named "Lionel" in his honour by Anant and Radhika Ambani, symbolising hope.

The highlight was at the Elephant Care Centre, where Messi met rescued calf Maniklal and engaged in an impromptu football play session, delighting everyone as the calf responded playfully. He also fed okapis, rhinos, giraffes, and elephants, visited the wildlife hospital, and praised India's commitment to conservation under the Prime Minister. Messi expressed deep admiration for Vantara's rescue and care efforts, calling it "truly beautiful" and promising to return. The visit ended with traditional rituals like Nariyal Utsarg and Matka Phod, reflecting shared values of compassion and reverence for all living beings, aligning with Messi's own foundation focused on humanitarian causes.