Lionel Messi Performs Aarti at Vantara in Gujarat, Joins Hindu Rituals During India Visit
Image via X/ANI
Global football icon Lionel Messi embraced Indian tradition during his visit to Vantara, the wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and conservation centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat, where he participated in Hindu rituals and ceremonial prayers. Hosted by Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant, Messi’s presence at the centre drew widespread attention, blending global sporting stardom with Indian cultural practices.
Visuals of the FIFA World Cup winner performing aarti and offering prayers have since gone viral, highlighting a moment of cultural exchange during his ongoing India tour.
Context: Messi’s Visit to Vantara
Vantara, backed by the Reliance ecosystem, is positioned as a large-scale wildlife conservation and rehabilitation initiative rooted in scientific care and compassion for animals. The centre regularly begins its initiatives with traditional prayers, reflecting its alignment with Sanatana Dharma.
Messi’s visit marked a rare moment where an international sports figure engaged directly with Indian religious customs at a conservation facility, adding symbolic weight to the occasion.
Details: Rituals and Ceremonial Participation
According to visuals shared by news agency ANI, Messi was seen standing barefoot inside a temple complex, holding a thali during aarti alongside Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant. In another image, he bowed his head at the shrine in a gesture of reverence.
A separate group photograph showed Messi posing with his Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, alongside Anant Ambani and others. The backdrop featured marigold garlands, temple bells and traditional décor, underscoring the ceremonial atmosphere of the visit.
Traditional Rituals at Vantara
In a statement issued to ANI, Vantara said Messi took part in Nariyal Utsarg and Matka Phod, rituals symbolising auspicious beginnings, goodwill and harmony.
“The ceremony concluded with chants for peace and well-being, underscoring the shared values that align Vantara’s mission with Messi’s global legacy,” the statement said.
The centre added that Messi also participated in a Maha Aarti, which included Ambe Mata Puja, Ganesh Puja, Hanuman Puja and Shiv Abhishek, offering prayers for world peace and unity.
Messi’s Response and Interaction at the Centre
Vantara noted that Messi expressed appreciation for the centre’s science-driven and compassionate approach to animal care. As the founder of the Leo Messi Foundation, which focuses on social causes, education, healthcare and children’s welfare, Messi reportedly felt a strong alignment with Vantara’s purpose.
During the visit, Messi also observed wildlife habitats, interacted with caregivers and conservation teams, and learned about ongoing rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
Messi’s India Tour: From Chaos to Celebration
Messi’s India tour began in Kolkata, followed by visits to Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi, before concluding in Jamnagar. The tour had a turbulent start in Kolkata, where crowd control issues led to unrest as fans damaged stadium property in their eagerness to see the football legend.
However, subsequent stops passed smoothly, with fans across cities sharing images and videos online, expressing excitement at seeing one of football’s greatest players on Indian soil.
Analysis: Soft Power, Culture and Global Icons
Messi’s participation in Hindu rituals has sparked discussion beyond sports, highlighting how global icons increasingly engage with local traditions during international visits. Such moments often resonate deeply with fans, reinforcing cultural pride while showcasing openness and mutual respect.
For Vantara, the visit offered international visibility, while for Messi, it added a unique cultural chapter to his India journey.
Conclusion
Lionel Messi’s visit to Vantara stands out as a blend of sport, spirituality and conservation. By participating in traditional rituals and engaging with the centre’s mission, the football icon offered a moment that transcended athletic achievement, reflecting shared values of compassion, unity and respect across cultures.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople
Messi’s Vantara visit shows how global sporting legends can bridge cultures through simple acts of respect and participation. Beyond the visuals, the moment reflects India’s growing presence as a space where sport, tradition and global influence intersect naturally.