8 months ago
Messi Concludes India Tour with Vantara Visit
Lionel Messi, a famous football player, visited India for four days.
He played a match with Argentina against Venezuela in Delhi.
The match was organized with the help of The Times of India.
Messi also visited Vantara, a wildlife conservation centre in Jamnagar, where he participated in traditional rituals and interacted with animals.
A lion cub was named 'Lionel' in his honour.
Anant Ambani, who hosted the event at Vantara, wore a very rare and expensive watch worth ₹45.59 crore.
Messi also received a luxury watch as a gift.
The tour ended with memorable events and positive interactions, despite some initial chaos in Kolkata.
Lionel Messi concluded his four-day visit to India with a match against Venezuela in Delhi and a visit to Vantara wildlife conservation centre in Jamnagar.
Messi participated in traditional Hindu rituals and interacted with animals at Vantara, where a lion cub was named 'Lionel' in his honour.
Anant Ambani wore a rare Richard Mille RM 056 Sapphire Tourbillon watch worth ₹45.59 crore during Messi's visit to Vantara.
Messi received a luxury Richard Mille RM 003-V2 GMT Tourbillon 'Asia Edition' watch as a gift, valued at ₹10.91 crore.
The Delhi leg of Messi's tour included interactions with fans, some of whom wrestled over a football he kicked into the crowd, sparking mixed reactions online.
- Who
- Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, Rodrigo De Paul, Anant Ambani
- What
- End of Messi's four-day visit to India and interactions at Vantara
- Where
- Delhi, India and Vantara wildlife conservation centre in Jamnagar
- When
- December 16, 2025
- Why
- To play a match against Venezuela, visit Vantara, and participate in traditional rituals
Key facts
- Player
- Lionel Messi
- Event
- Argentina vs. Venezuela
- Location
- Delhi, India
- Duration
- 4 days
- Associated Organization
- The Times of India
- Special Activity
- Visit to Vantara wildlife conservation centre
- Teammates
- Luis Suárez, Rodrigo De Paul
- Significant Gesture
- Lion cub named 'Lionel' in his honour
- Watch Value
- ₹45.59 crore
- Watch Model
- Richard Mille RM 056 Sapphire Tourbillon
Timeline
Messi's India tour confirmed: Delhi, Jamnagar on itinerary.
Then, Jay Shah felicitates Messi during GOAT Tour India 2025.
Messi's Delhi & Jamnagar visit sealed after Shah's welcome.
Messi plays in Delhi, tours Jamnagar's wildlife center.
India welcomes Messi, tour highlights match & conservation.
Quotes
Social media user
A commenter on the viral video
“Love how this visit blended football, faith and conservation in such a natural way. Seeing Messi join traditional rituals and support Vantara's work really shows respect for India's culture and care for all living beings”
NDTV
“When global icons engage with local traditions, the message becomes universal. Humility, gratitude, and harmony stand out beyond words. These moments remind us of shared human values”
NDTV
Instagram user Ekam
The user who posted the viral video on Instagram
“People fighting for ball Messi kicked in Delhi stadium”
indianexpress.com
Lionel Messi
Argentinian football player and global icon
“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!”
NDTV
NDTV
Sources
Inside Messi's Vantara Visit: Lion Cub 'Lionel', Traditional Rituals And More
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Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Rodrigo De Paul Get In Touch With Their Spiritual Side In Vantara As Anant Ambani And Radhika Merchant Turn Ideal Hosts | Viral
Messi wraps up India tour with aarti at Ambani's Vantara
Lionel Messi & Co Perform Aarti, Visit Wild Life Reserve At Anant Ambani's Vantara, Pictures Go Viral
Messi visits wildlife conservation centre Vantara in Jamnagar
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Anant Ambani Wears A Rare ₹45.59 Crore Richard Mille Watch During Messi Visit In Vantara: Check More Details Inside
Kareena Kapoor becomes the only actor to feature in Lionel Messi's Instagram post on his India visit, footballer says 'It was intense and short but...'
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Kareena Kapoor, Sons Feature In Lionel Messi’s ‘Namaste India’ Video
Messi Vantara visit: Leo participates in Ganesh puja, feeds animals, bows before Hindu deity
How Lionel Messi Spent His Day At Vantara With Anant Ambani And Radhika Merchant—Inside Jamnagar’s Vantara And Who Can Visit It
Football, Faith And A Lion Named Lionel: Inside Messi's Vantara Visit
Kareena Kapoor Features In Lionel Messi's GOAT Tour India Post, See Her Reaction
Messi Thanks India After G.O.A.T. tour
Fans wrestle over football after Lionel Messi kicks it towards them at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium: WATCH
Messi Sums Up India Tour In 1-Minute Video With Kareena Kapoor And Taimur-Jeh In It
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