Recently, Lionel Messi’s visit to India was a unique cultural experience. The renowned football player arrived for the GOAT India Tour 2025, which included more than just public appearances. The final event took place at the Vantara wildlife sanctuary, where the atmosphere was surprisingly pleasant despite some earlier crowd control issues.
During this visit, Messi participated in various cultural activities. Hosted by Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant, he visited Vantara in Jamnagar to observe wildlife conservation efforts.
Messi engaged in traditional rituals, including a “Maha Aarti” that featured a Ganesh Puja and a Hanuman Puja. Photos of him at a shrine show a focused side of the athlete seldom seen outside the football pitch.
The Vantara center described these rituals as symbols of goodwill and new beginnings. For someone who has achieved so much in football, it seemed to offer him a moment of calm amid his busy career.
Anant Ambani Gifts Messi an Expensive Watch
Switching gears, we turn to the luxurious gifts associated with this visit. Anant Ambani presented Messi with a Richard Mille RM 003-V2 ‘Asia Edition’ watch, a timepiece known for its high price tag and craftsmanship.
This watch features a black carbon case and a skeleton dial, valued at ₹10.9 crore, or about $1.3 million USD. Such a gift is notable for its extravagance, matching Messi’s status as a football icon.
A Look at Messi’s Watch Collection
The Richard Mille is just one of many impressive watches in Messi’s collection. He has a reputation for choosing items that reflect both luxury and taste. Here are some standout pieces from his collection:
One is the pink-toned ‘Barbie’ Rolex Daytona, with only about 10 made, making it a rare find. Another is the Patek Philippe World Time Minute Repeater, distinguished by its intricate design featuring a steamboat on Lake Geneva.
There’s also the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ‘Le Mans’, made for the race’s 100th anniversary, and the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ‘Jumbo’ Extra-Thin, known for its simplicity and elegance.
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