Lionel Messi Visits India: Offers Prayers at Vantara and Scores a ₹10.9 Crore Watch

If you had “Lionel Messi performing Hindu rituals barefoot in Gujarat while hanging out with billionaires” on your 2025 Bingo card, congratulations—you are officially a time traveler. The football legend’s recent trip to India wasn’t just about waving to screaming fans or kicking a ball around; it turned into a full-blown cultural crossover event that felt like a DLC expansion pack nobody saw coming.

The GOAT himself touched down for the GOAT India Tour 2025, and while the tour had its chaotic moments (looking at you, Kolkata crowd control), the finale at the Vantara wildlife sanctuary was surprisingly wholesome. Oh, and because it’s the Ambani family we’re talking about, Messi didn’t leave with just memories. He walked away with a piece of wrist candy worth more than most luxury apartments.

Lionel Messi Goes Spiritual at Vantara

Let’s be real for a second. Seeing the man who conquered Europe and the World Cup standing barefoot in a temple, holding a thali for aarti, is a visual that feels like a glitch in the simulation. But that’s exactly what went down. hosted by Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant, Messi visited Vantara in Jamnagar to check out the wildlife conservation efforts.

But he didn’t just pet some elephants and leave. Messi fully committed to the cultural side quest. According to reports, he participated in a “Maha Aarti,” which included a Ganesh Puja and a Hanuman Puja. There are photos circulating of him bowing his head at a shrine, looking genuinely locked in. It’s a side of the fierce competitor we rarely see. Usually, the only time we see him this focused is when he’s lining up a free kick in the 90th minute.

The Vantara center noted that these rituals symbolize goodwill and auspicious beginnings. For a guy who has won literally everything there is to win in football, maybe he’s just stacking up good karma for his post-retirement era. It was a stark contrast to the noise of the stadiums—just Messi, the Ambanis, and some serious spiritual vibes.

Anant Ambani Gifts Messi a Richard Mille Worth ₹10.9 Crore

Okay, enough about the spiritual enlightenment. Let’s talk about the loot drop. You don’t visit the Ambani family without witnessing wealth that makes your brain hurt. Anant Ambani, who seems to be collecting celebrity friends like Pokémon cards these days, gifted Messi a watch that screams “I have zero budget restrictions.”

The timepiece in question is a Richard Mille RM 003-V2 ‘Asia Edition’. For the watch nerds out there, this thing is a beast. It features a black carbon case, a skeleton dial (because why hide the mechanics when they cost this much?), and a tourbillon. It’s lightweight, incredibly complex, and worth a staggering ₹10.9 crore.

To put that in perspective, that’s roughly $1.3 million USD. For a watch. It’s the kind of gift that makes a standard “thank you” card feel woefully inadequate. This specific model is rare, reflecting both the high-performance ethos of the brand and, frankly, the high-performance status of Messi himself. It’s a fitting gift for a guy who spent his career engaging in high-level wizardry on the pitch.

A Peek Inside Messi’s Elite Timepiece Collection

The Richard Mille is just the latest addition to an inventory that would make any collector weep. Messi has been spotted wearing some absolute grails over the years. This isn’t just a guy who buys expensive things; he has taste. Here is a look at what else is in his loadout:

The ‘Barbie’ Rolex Daytona: Yes, you read that right. Messi owns a pink-toned Rolex Daytona. It sounds ridiculous until you realize there are only about 10 of these in existence. It wasn’t even in the catalog; you had to be an elite client to even know it existed. It’s a flex so specific it hurts.

Patek Philippe World Time Minute Repeater: This is arguably the final boss of his collection. It features a white gold case and a dial depicting a steamboat on Lake Geneva. It’s intricate, it’s classic, and it’s absurdly expensive.

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ‘Le Mans’: Released for the 100th anniversary of the race, this 18k yellow gold beauty is a nod to speed and endurance. Fitting for a player who has lasted at the top level for two decades.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ‘Jumbo’ Extra-Thin: A platinum piece with a smoked green sunburst dial. It’s understated (well, for platinum) and classy.

The Ultimate Crossover Event

So, to recap: Lionel Messi came to India, survived the mobs of fans, found inner peace doing puja in Jamnagar, and acquired a watch worth more than the GDP of a small island nation.

It’s easy to be cynical about these massive PR tours, but seeing a global icon like Messi embrace local traditions—even if it is within the Billionaire Bubble of the Ambanis—is pretty cool. It bridges the gap between the untouchable superstar and the culture of the fans who worship him. Plus, let’s be honest, we’re all just a little jealous of that watch.