Lionel Messi says ‘Jai Mata Di’ during aarti at Vantara, tours wildlife centre, and a lion cub is named ‘Lionel’ in his honour. How did the football superstar react to India’s traditions and wildlife conservation efforts?
Lionel Messi performed aarti at Vantara in Jamnagar
Jamnagar: Global football icon Lionel Messi recently embraced Indian spiritual traditions during his visit to Vantara, the wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat. Hosted by Anant Ambani and his wife Radhika Merchant, Messi was joined by Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul.
During the visit, Messi performed aarti at the temple within the facility, saying “Jai Mata Di,” which was echoed by those present, including the hosts. A video shared by Vantara on Instagram captured the heartfelt moment, highlighting the blend of spirituality and cultural experience.
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Vantara captioned the video, “They experienced Indian traditions and rituals rooted in our spiritual culture and spent time with the wild residents of Vantara. Witnessing stories of rescue, healing, and care, they were deeply moved by how compassion for animals is woven into everyday life here.”
Messi toured different sections of Vantara, learning about the rescue, rehabilitation, and care of animals that were injured, abandoned, or orphaned. The football superstar engaged with the staff to understand the challenges and successes in wildlife conservation.
In a symbolic gesture to honour Messi, Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant named a lion cub ‘Lionel’ at the Foster Care Centre, dedicated to orphaned and vulnerable young animals. The gesture was described by Vantara as representing hope and continuity, paying tribute to the Argentine football legend.
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Messi expressed his admiration for Vantara’s efforts, saying in Spanish, “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.”
Messi’s India visit began in Kolkata, where he faced organisational challenges at an event, but continued to Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi, attracting massive crowds. His trip combined cultural immersion, wildlife conservation awareness, and fan interactions, leaving a lasting impression both on his hosts and the public.
The visit to Vantara was a unique blend of sports, spirituality, and wildlife advocacy, marking another memorable chapter in Messi’s international engagements.
