Lionel Messi prays, performs puja, poses with tiger during his visit to Vantara: In pics
Lionel Messi prays, performs puja, poses with tiger during his visit to Vantara: In pics
Lionel Messi made a special visit to Vantara, a wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation centre founded by Anant Ambani. Luis Suarez and Rodrigo de Paul also accompanied them, as they also performed puja at the centre. Here are the pictures of Messi's visit to Vantara.
Argentina superstar Lionel Messi accepted a personal invitation from Anant Ambani and travelled to Jamnagar along with his Inter Miami teammates—Luis Suarez and Rodrigo de Paul—for an immersive day at the sprawling wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation centre at the Vantara in Jamnagar. He met Akash Ambani and his wife, Radhika, during his visit and exchanged pleasantries with them.
2/5Image Source : PTI
Messi and his teammates were welcomed in grand traditional style with vibrant folk music, a showering of flowers symbolising blessings and purity of intent, and a ceremonial aarti. Messi also participated in a Maha Aarti at the temple, including Ambe Mata Puja, Ganesh Puja, Hanuman Puja, and Shiv Abhishek, and offered his prayers.
3/5Image Source : ANI
During the visit, Messi, Rodrigo, and Suarez toured Vantara's conservation ecosystem, which houses rescued big cats, elephants, herbivores, reptiles, and fostered animals. He interacted with caregivers and veterinary staff and observed animal welfare practices, including specialised medical care, nutrition, and rehabilitation protocols.
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4/5Image Source : PTI
Lionel Messi also visited the green energy complex and the world's largest refinery complex, expressing admiration for the scale, vision, and sustainability underpinning the operations. He also posed with a tiger before visiting the multi-specialty wildlife hospital, witnessing real-time clinical and surgical procedures. The football legend also fed okapis, rhinos, giraffes, and elephants.
5/5Image Source : PTI
The highlight of the visit came at the Elephant Care Centre, where Messi met Maniklal, a rescued elephant calf saved along with his ailing mother, Prathima, from harsh labour in the logging industry two years ago. In a heartwarming scene, Messi joined Maniklal in an impromptu football enrichment activity, demonstrating the universal language of play. The calf responded enthusiastically, delighting onlookers and creating one of the most memorable moments of Messi's India visit.
