Messi Visits Vantara Wildlife Conservation Centre
A highlight of the visit was Messi’s interaction with Maniklal, a rescued elephant calf, during a playful football enrichment activity
Jamnagar: Global football icon Lionel Messi on Tuesday visited Vantara, wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and conservation centre founded by Anant Ambani, where he took part in traditional rituals, toured animal care facilities and interacted with conservation teams.
Messi, accompanied by Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, was accorded a traditional welcome featuring folk music, floral greetings and a ceremonial aarti. He also participated in temple rituals, offering prayers for peace and unity.
During the visit, Messi toured various facilities at Vantara, including care centres for big cats, herbivores and reptiles, the foster care unit for orphaned animals, and a multi-speciality wildlife hospital. He also fed animals such as giraffes, rhinos and elephants, and observed veterinary and rehabilitation efforts.
A highlight of the visit was Messi’s interaction with Maniklal, a rescued elephant calf, during a playful football enrichment activity. In a special gesture, Anant and Radhika Ambani named a lion cub “Lionel” in his honour.
Messi praised Vantara’s work in wildlife rescue and care, calling it “truly beautiful” and expressing admiration for its commitment to animal welfare. The visit concluded with traditional rituals symbolising goodwill and new beginnings.
