When Messi met Maniklal: Star footballer pays special visit to Vantara, attends Maha Aarti and more

Vantara’s guided tour

Messi embarked on a guided tour of Vantara’s expansive conservation ecosystem. (Special Arrangement)

Following the welcome, Messi embarked on a guided tour of Vantara’s expansive conservation ecosystem. The centre is home to rescued big cats, elephants, herbivores, reptiles and fostered young animals from across the globe.

Not limiting his visit to the aforementioned, the Argentine superstar travelled to the green energy complex and the world’s largest refinery complex, where he “expressed amazement at the scale and vision behind the operations,” according to a release.

At the care centre for lions, leopards, tigers and other endangered species, Messi interacted with animals in naturalistic environments.

Next stop: Herbivore care centre

He then visited the Herbivore Care Centre and the Reptile Care Centre, where he observed animals under specialised veterinary care, customised nutrition, behavioural training and husbandry protocols that reflect Vantara’s wildlife welfare ethos. (Special Arrangement)

He then visited the Herbivore Care Centre and the Reptile Care Centre, where he observed animals under specialised veterinary care, customised nutrition, behavioural training and husbandry protocols that reflect Vantara’s wildlife welfare ethos.

During the visit, he also toured the multi speciality wildlife hospital, witnessing real-time clinical and surgical procedures. Messi then took out time to feed the okapis, rhinos, giraffes and elephants. Messi then praised the commitment of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to advancing wildlife care and conservation in the country.

A lion named ‘Lionel’

Lionel Messi with Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul and Anant and Radikha Ambani. In a heartfelt gesture, Anant Ambani and Radhika Ambani together named a lion cub “Lionel,” in honour of the football legend. (Special Arrangement)

At the Foster Care Centre, dedicated to orphaned and vulnerable young animals, Messi learned about their journeys of resilience. In a heartfelt gesture, Anant Ambani and Radhika Ambani together named a lion cub “Lionel,” in honour of the football legend.

When Messi met Maniklal

The highlight of the tour was 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. (Special Arrangement)

The highlight of the tour was 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.

Messi also got down to an impromptu football activity with Maniklal. The calf responded enthusiastically to the activity, making playful moves that showcased his own emerging skills.

Responding in Spanish to Anant Ambani thanking him for visiting Vantara and inspiring everyone selflessly toward animals and mankind, Messi said: “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.”

Time for matka phod

Responding in Spanish to Anant Ambani thanking him for visiting Vantara and inspiring everyone selflessly toward animals and mankind, Messi said: “What Vantara does is truly beautiful, the work for animals, the care they receive, the way they are rescued and looked after. (Special Arrangement)

As the visit came to a close, Messi participated in Nariyal Utsarg and Matka Phod, traditional rituals symbolising goodwill and auspicious beginnings. The ceremony concluded with chants for peace and well-being. Messi, who leads the Leo Messi Foundation dedicated to social causes, education, healthcare and children’s welfare worldwide, expressed a deep sense of alignment with Vantara’s purpose and appreciation for its vision of compassionate, science driven care for animals.