Messi’s Vantara Visit During India Tour Leaves A Mark; A Lion Cub Named ‘Lionel’ In His Honour

After his successful GOAT India Tour, global football legend Lionel Messi visited Vantara, a wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation centre in Jamnagar. During the visit, he took part in traditional rituals and interacted with teams working on the ground at the centre. Not just that, Messi also took to Instagram to thank India for its warm hospitality and love. Here’s more on his visit.

Messi Visits Vantara During His Visit To India 

Lionel Messi, along with Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, visited Vantara on Tuesday. Apart from the GOAT India Tour, this visit marked a key moment during Messi’s time in India. According to a report by Hindustan Times, the football legend received a traditional welcome with folk music and rituals at the facility. The Argentine star also participated in an aarti before interacting with the team working at Vantara.

Anant Ambani and his wife, Radhika Merchant, were also present during the visit. Messi interacted with the animals and took part in a guided tour of the facility. To mark his visit, Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant named a lion cub ‘Lionel’ in his honour. It was a thoughtful gesture, and one Messi is sure to remember.

Also Read: GOAT In Town: 70-Ft Statue, SRK Meet-Up, Travel Advisory & More On The 3-Day Messi India Tour

GOAT Shows Love To India After A Memorable 3-Day Tour

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Leo Messi (@leomessi)

The three-day GOAT India Tour continued to make headlines throughout. The tour saw Messi interact with Indian football players, immerse himself in Indian culture, unveil his statue in Kolkata, and more. To thank the country, the GOAT himself shared a heartfelt post on Instagram. He thanked India for the love shown to him over the last few days. Calling it a great experience, Messi said it was intense and beautiful, even though it was for a short while. 

He added that he knew the love was coming, but receiving it in person was truly special. Messi thanked everyone and mentioned that he hopes they will play together someday. He also said he would definitely return to India. The caption on his post read, “Namaste India! What incredible visits to Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Kolkata. Thanks for the warm welcome, great hospitality and all the expressions of love throughout my tour. I hope football has a bright future in India!”

Also Read: Step Inside Footballer Lionel Messi’s ₹7 Lakh Presidential Suite At The Leela Palace New Delhi

It was indeed a memorable three-day tour. Tell us, did you get to see Messi live?

Cover Image Courtesy: @CricCrazyJohns/ X and @AlbicelesteTalk/ X