Lionel Messi has lion cub named in his honor during visit to Vantara Wildlife Conservation Centre: Reports

Lionel Messi, accompanied by his teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo de Paul, visited Vantara, a wildlife rescue and conservation center in Jamnagar, on Tuesday, December 16. He was welcomed by the wildlife founder and billionaire’s son, Anant Ambani, along with his wife, Radhika Merchant.

Messi commenced a three-day GOAT Tour of India on Saturday, December 13, which started on a sour note at this first stop in Kolkata. He then visited Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi as part of his itinerary for the tour.

The Argentine legend received a traditional welcome, which included vibrant folk music, a showering of flowers symbolizing blessings, and a ceremonial aarti. He participated in a Maha Aarti at the temple, including pujas dedicated to Hindu deities Ambe, Ganesh, Hanuman, and Shiva, offering prayers for world peace and unity in keeping with India’s timeless ethos of reverence for all living beings.

Lionel Messi then embarked on a guided tour of Vantara’s conservation ecosystem, which is home to rescued big cats, elephants, reptiles, herbivores, and several fostered animals. In a heartfelt and significant gesture, Ambani and his wife together named a lion cub ‘Lionel’ in honor of the football legend, according to a report in Indian Express.

The Inter Miami forward interacted closely with caregivers and veterinary professionals, gaining insight into the medical care, nutritional planning, and rehabilitation protocols followed at the centre.

The highlight of the tour was at the Elephant Care Centre, where Messi engaged in an impromptu football enrichment activity with Maniklal, a rescued elephant calf, saved along with his ailing mother, Prathima, from harsh labour in the logging industry two years ago.

Lionel Messi also toured the multi-specialty wildlife hospital, witnessed real-time clinical and surgical procedures, and later fed the rhinos, okapis, elephants, and giraffes.

“It is genuinely impressive” – Lionel Messi relishes visit to Vantara Wildlife Conservation Centre

Unlike his experience in Kolkata, Lionel Messi seemingly enjoyed his time at Vantara. He thanked Anant Ambani for his work towards wildlife, saying:

“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."

Messi’s 2025 GOAT India Tour marked his first visit to the country since 2011, when he represented Argentina in a friendly match against Venezuela.