Jamnagar, Dec 16 (NationPress) Renowned football superstar Lionel Messi concluded his GOAT Tour 2025 with a remarkable visit to Vantara, a center dedicated to wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation, established by Anant Ambani, located near Jamnagar in Gujarat. Messi's visit showcased his respect for local traditions as he took part in traditional Hindu rituals, observed various wildlife, and engaged with caregivers and conservation teams at the center.

His interactions during the visit emphasized the humility and humanitarian spirit for which he is celebrated worldwide, and underscored the strong camaraderie he shares with Anant Ambani, both united in their dedication to wildlife conservation.

Accompanied by his Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, the Argentine footballer was greeted in a grand traditional manner, complete with lively folk music, a cascade of flowers symbolizing blessings and sincere intentions, and a ceremonial aarti.

Messi's GOAT Tour began with a lively visit to Kolkata, followed by unforgettable moments in Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi.

The football icon, who led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup victory in Qatar, also participated in a Maha Aarti at a local temple, including Ambe Mata Puja, Ganesh Puja, Hanuman Puja, and Shiv Abhishek, offering prayers for global peace and unity in alignment with India’s enduring reverence for all creatures.

After the warm welcome, Messi undertook a guided tour of Vantara’s vast conservation ecosystem, which houses rescued big cats, elephants, herbivores, reptiles, and nurtured young animals from around the world. He also explored the green energy complex and the world's largest refinery, expressing awe at the scale and vision behind these operations.

At the care center for lions, leopards, tigers, and other endangered species, Messi interacted with animals thriving in enriched, natural settings, many of whom approached him with curiosity. His visit continued at the Herbivore Care Centre and the Reptile Care Centre, where he observed animals thriving under specialized veterinary care, tailored nutrition, behavioral training, and husbandry protocols that reflect Vantara’s global leadership in wildlife welfare.

During his time there, he toured the multi-speciality wildlife hospital, witnessing live clinical and surgical procedures, and later fed the okapis, rhinos, giraffes, and elephants. From a global standpoint, he commended the commitment of the Prime Minister of India to enhance wildlife care and conservation in the nation.

At the Foster Care Centre, dedicated to orphaned and vulnerable young animals, Messi learned about their resilience journeys. In a touching moment, Anant Ambani and Radhika Ambani named a lion cub “Lionel,” a name symbolizing hope and continuity in honor of the football legend.

The pinnacle of the tour occurred at the Elephant Care Centre, where Messi met Maniklal, a rescued elephant calf saved alongside his ill mother, Prathima, from harsh labor in the logging industry two years ago. In a heartwarming scene, Messi engaged in an impromptu football enrichment activity with Maniklal, illustrating the universal language of play. The calf responded enthusiastically, showcasing his emerging skills, marking one of the most unforgettable moments of Messi’s visit to India.

Responding in Spanish to Anant Ambani, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to visit Vantara and inspire everyone selflessly towards both animals and humanity, stating, “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. 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.”

As his visit concluded, Messi partook in Nariyal Utsarg and Matka Phod, traditional rituals signifying goodwill and auspicious beginnings. The ceremony wrapped up with chants for peace and well-being, underscoring the shared values that align Vantara’s mission with Messi’s global legacy.

Messi, who heads the Leo Messi Foundation devoted to social causes, education, healthcare, and children’s welfare internationally, expressed a profound connection with Vantara’s mission and appreciation for its vision of compassionate, science-driven animal care.