Lionel Messi Joins Anant Ambani at Vantara for Aarti, Chants ‘Jai Mata Di’ in Viral Video
New Delhi | December 18, 2025
Global football icon Lionel Messi was seen participating in traditional Hindu rituals during his recent visit to Vantara, the wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and conservation centre set up by the Reliance Foundation in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The Lionel Messi Vantara visit has since gone viral on social media, drawing widespread attention across India and beyond.
A video shared by Vantara on its official Instagram handle shows Messi offering aarti inside a temple located within the sprawling conservation facility. In the clip, the Argentine footballer is heard chanting “Jai Mata Di,” with the chant echoed by those present, including Reliance Industries director Anant Ambani and his wife, Radhika Merchant. During the rituals, Messi can also be heard saying “Har Har Mahadev” while standing before a shivaling.
The Lionel Messi Vantara visit marks a rare public appearance of the football star engaging in Indian spiritual practices, an aspect that has resonated strongly with Indian fans.
Rituals and Spiritual Moments at Vantara
During the visit, Lionel Messi took part in several Hindu rituals traditionally associated with prayer and meditation. The video footage shows him pouring milk over a shivaling, participating in a hawan ceremony, and sitting quietly in meditation while chanting “Om.”
These moments were captured inside the temple complex situated within Vantara, which combines spiritual spaces with conservation efforts. According to those present, Messi followed the rituals with respect and attentiveness, guided by the hosts.
The Lionel Messi Vantara visit was hosted by Anant Ambani, who has been closely involved in the development of the centre, along with Radhika Merchant. Messi was accompanied by his Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, both of whom were also seen exploring the facility.
Visit Highlights Conservation and Compassion
Beyond the religious rituals, the Lionel Messi Vantara visit focused heavily on the centre’s core mission of wildlife conservation and animal welfare. Vantara is known for rescuing injured, abused, and endangered animals and providing them with long-term care in a protected environment.
In its Instagram caption accompanying the video, Vantara stated that it was honoured to welcome Messi, Suárez, and De Paul. The post highlighted that the footballers spent time with rescued animals and learned about stories of rehabilitation, healing, and care carried out at the centre.
“Witnessing stories of rescue, healing, and care, they were deeply moved by how compassion for animals is woven into everyday life here,” the caption read. It further noted that the visit represented a moment where “seva, spirituality, and conservation came together.”
The Lionel Messi Vantara visit has thus brought renewed public attention to the conservation centre’s work, particularly among international audiences.
Social Media Reaction and Public Interest
Clips from the Lionel Messi Vantara visit have been widely shared across platforms, with fans expressing admiration for the footballer’s willingness to participate in Indian traditions. Many social media users described the visuals as a blend of global sport and Indian culture, while others praised the focus on animal welfare.
The presence of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant alongside Messi has also added to the public interest, highlighting Vantara’s role as both a conservation initiative and a space for cultural exchange.
For Vantara, the visit by one of the world’s most recognisable athletes is being seen as a significant moment that underscores its growing global profile. The centre, backed by the Reliance Foundation, has previously hosted international guests, but the Lionel Messi Vantara visit stands out due to the footballer’s immense global following.
A Symbolic and Cultural Exchange
While Lionel Messi has visited India before for professional commitments, this visit was notably different in nature. By participating in rituals and spending time learning about conservation efforts, Messi’s presence symbolised a cultural exchange that extended beyond sport.
The Lionel Messi Vantara visit concluded without any formal public statement from the footballer himself. However, the visuals and official posts from Vantara have offered a clear glimpse into the purpose and tone of the visit.
As the video continues to circulate online, the event remains a reminder of how sport, spirituality, and conservation can intersect in meaningful ways. For many observers, the Lionel Messi Vantara visit has become a moment that blends global celebrity with local tradition, while also spotlighting the importance of compassion towards wildlife.
