Global football star Lionel Messi spent a day at Anant Ambani's Vantara wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and conservation centre, where traditional Hindu rituals, close animal encounters and guided tours showcased India's blend of culture,

One of the most memorable scenes was captured in a viral Instagram video, where Messi played football with a baby elephant named Maneklal

Vantara founder Anant Ambani hosted global football icon Lionel Messi at the wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and conservation centre, where the football legend’s time was marked by guided tours, traditional rituals and close interactions with wildlife.

Football icon Lionel Messi experiences traditional Indian rituals at Anant Ambani's Vantara in Jamnagar, participating in aarti, sacred chants and age-old customs during his cultural visit.

During football giant Lionel Messi's recent visit to India, Anant Ambani gifted him an ultra-rare RM 003-V2 GMT Tourbillon “Asia Edition”, priced at approximately $1.1 million (~₹10 crore), at Vantara. The watch is said to be a limited edition, with only 12 pieces available globally.

A video from the visit is now gaining traction on Instagram, capturing a light hearted moment outside an elephant enclosure. The clip shows Messi kicking a football inside the enclosure as a baby elephant named Maneklal gently nudges the ball back with its leg, drawing smiles from those present.

Lionel Messi concluded his India tour with a private visit to Anant Ambani’s Vantara in Jamnagar, alongside Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul. Welcomed

Following the whirlwind conclusion of his much-anticipated GOAT India Tour 2025, which captivated fans across Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi, Lionel Messi chose a serene and meaningful extension to his Indian journey.

The footage captures Messi engaging in several rituals at the centre, including pouring milk over a shivaling, participating in a hawan, and meditating while chanting "Om".

Messi was on a three-day tour of India which ended Monday in Delhi and after that he went to Vantara where he stayed overnight before leaving the country.