Football legend Lionel Messi wrapped up his “G.O.A.T. Tour of India 2025” on a serene note, visiting the ‘Vantara’ animal rescue and rehabilitation sanctuary in Jamnagar, Gujarat, founded by industrialist Anant Ambani
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The visit took a spiritual turn as Messi, along with fellow players Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, participated in a traditional Hindu prayer ceremony. A video of Messi chanting “Har Har Mahadev” quickly went viral on social media
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Lionel Messi India tour Vantara Gujarat visit: A Tour of Mixed Experiences
The three-day tour was a rollercoaster for fans:
- It began chaotically in Kolkata, where fans, angered by getting only a brief glimpse of Messi, vandalized the Salt Lake Stadium. The event’s organizer was subsequently arrested
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Subsequent stops in Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi were successful. Highlights included Messi receiving a custom #10 jersey from cricketing icon Sachin Tendulkar in Mumbai and getting tickets for the T20 World Cup 2026 from ICC Chairman Jay Shah in Delhi
A Peaceful Finale
The peaceful and spiritual conclusion at Vantara provided a stark contrast to the tour’s tumultuous start, offering Messi a unique glimpse into India’s cultural and conservation efforts
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