Argentina star Lionel Messi extended his stay in India after the GOAT tour to visit Vantara. The footage of Messi, along with Luis Suárez, reaching Jamnagar amid tight security, was, shared by news agency ANI. Messi and his teammates will be the latest in a long list of global dignitaries to visit the wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facility. Recently, Donald Trump Jr, son of US President Donald Trump, visited Vantara and praised its scale, vision and commitment to wildlife conservation. Earlier this year, PM Modi also paid a visit to Vantara.
“They will visit Vantara and stay there tonight, and will be hosted by Anant Ambani, Director of Reliance Industries Limited,: ANI wrote.
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# Lionel Messi Extends India Stay: Private Visit to Anant Ambani's Vantara in Jamnagar
**December 16, 2025**
Football legend Lionel Messi wrapped up his blockbuster G.O.A.T. India Tour 2025 not on a stadium pitch, but amid wildlife and conservation efforts, extending his stay in the country for a private overnight visit to **Vantara** – the sprawling animal rescue and rehabilitation centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
Hosted personally by **Anant Ambani**, founder of Vantara and Director at Reliance Industries Limited, Messi arrived in Jamnagar on December 15 evening after the tour's grand finale in New Delhi. Accompanied by Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, the Argentine icon spent the night and toured the facility on December 16 before departing India.
### Highlights from the Vantara Visit
- **Guided Tours and Interactions**: Messi explored the 3,000-acre facility, learning about rescue operations, foster care for orphaned animals, and advanced veterinary care.
- **Cultural Touch**: He participated in traditional Hindu rituals and observed sacred Indian traditions.
- **Heartwarming Moment**: Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant named a rescued lion cub "Lionel" in honor of the football star.
- **Messi's Praise**: In Spanish, Messi described Vantara's work as "truly beautiful," highlighting the care and rescue efforts for animals.
Footage shared by ANI captured Messi and Suárez arriving under heavy security in a convoy, marking a serene contrast to the fan frenzy of the four-city tour (Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi).
### About Vantara
Founded by Anant Ambani, Vantara is one of the world's largest wildlife rescue centres, featuring state-of-the-art hospitals, research facilities, and conservation programs. It has previously hosted dignitaries like PM Narendra Modi and Donald Trump Jr.
This unexpected extension added a meaningful, conservation-focused finale to Messi's India journey, blending sport with philanthropy.
Watch the arrival footage here (via ANI): [Embedded in reports across outlets]
As Messi bids farewell to India, fans hope this isn't the last – he even expressed desires to return, perhaps for a full match!
*Sources: Times Now, India Today, Hindustan Times, Moneycontrol, DeshGujarat, ANI, Outlook India, and other major outlets.*
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