Khaberni - In a move that reflects Argentine star Lionel Messi's concern for environmental and humanitarian issues off the field, he concluded his visit to India with a tour of the "Vantara" wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center. This visit marked the final stop of the GOAT India Tour 2025, which officially ended in the capital, New Delhi, after several busy days Messi spent in Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata and involved various sports and public activities, according to the report broadcasted by "RT". Messi was accompanied by his Inter Miami teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo de Paul during the visit, where the trio toured the large environmental facility founded by Anant Ambani, which houses rare animals rescued from around the world, including elephants, tigers, giraffes, and reptiles, as well as young animals undergoing care and rehabilitation programs.
According to Indian media reports, the directors of the Vantara center decided to honor Messi symbolically by naming one of the cubs at the center "Lionel," in appreciation of his visit and support for the wildlife protection project.
Messi had a rest period after leading Inter Miami to win the American League title for the first time in the club's history, taking advantage of the break to take this tour, which attracted widespread public and media interest, despite some organizational chaos that marked its start in Kolkata.
