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‘What Happened To Messi In Vantara?’, Ask Fans As Star Footballer Seen Donning A Shawl, Tilak And Rudraksha Malas During Vantara Visit Hosted By Anant Ambani

Lionel Messi visited Vantara, Anant Ambani’s wildlife rescue and conservation centre in Jamnagar, along with Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul. The football icon stunned fans with his traditional Indian avatar, wearing a shawl, tilak and rudraksha malas.

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Published by Ashish Kumar Singh
Last updated: December 16, 2025 22:02:25 IST

Lionel Messi stopped by Vantara, Anant Ambani’s wildlife rescue and conservation centre in Jamnagar. He joined in some traditional rituals, walked through the animal care and rehab areas, and even spent some time with the rescued animals.

Messi didn’t come alone. His Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul were right there with him.

Fans were left stunned by Messi’s never-before-seen avatar as the star footballer donned a shawl, wore a tilak on his forehead along with Rudraksha malas.  

Anant and Radhika Ambani made the visit extra special by naming a lion cub “Lionel” as a tribute. After their tour, Messi and his friends left Jamnagar Airport in a tight security convoy. 

News agency ANI posted videos on Instagram showing the group on their way out, security everywhere, crowds buzzing.

A post shared by Asian News International (@ani_trending)

Messi’s time at Vantara was short but made a splash. The place has been making headlines for its work with wildlife and its commitment to animal welfare.

Before Jamnagar, Messi had just wrapped up a big stop in New Delhi. At Arun Jaitley Stadium, he met some of India’s top cricket names like ICC Chairman Jay Shah, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and DDCA President Rohan Jaitley.

Shah handed Messi, Suárez, and De Paul their own Indian cricket team jerseys. Messi got number 10, Suárez number 9, and De Paul number 7, each one personalised. Shah also gave Messi a ticket to the upcoming T20 World Cup and invited him to the tournament. Messi’s India tour just kept adding new chapters.

ALSO READ: Why Has A French Court Asked PSG To Pay More Than Rs. 600 Crore To Kylian Mbappe? Real Madrid’s Star Player’s Legal Battle Explained 

Published by Ashish Kumar Singh
Last updated: December 16, 2025 22:02:25 IST

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