Anant Ambani Gifts Messi ₹10.9 Crore Watch

Lionel Messi’s much-anticipated India tour, dubbed the G.O.A.T. India Tour, has been capturing headlines and hearts across the nation. While fans debated the scale and organisation of the tour, one particular moment has stolen the spotlight: Messi receiving a remarkable luxury gift from Anant Ambani, the youngest scion of India’s billionaire Ambani family.

Reports reveal that Messi, during his visit to Vantara—the wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation centre founded by Anant Ambani—was presented with an ultra-luxurious timepiece worth a staggering USD 1.2 million (approximately ₹10.91 crore). Observers noted that Messi arrived without a watch but was later seen sporting the Richard Mille RM 003-V2 GMT Tourbillon ‘Asia Edition’, a rare skeleton-dialled marvel encased in black carbon. This exquisite watch is part of a limited edition, with only 12 pieces produced worldwide, cementing its exclusivity.

Adding further grandeur to the occasion, Anant Ambani himself wore an even more extraordinary timepiece: the Richard Mille RM 056 Sapphire Tourbillon, valued at USD 5 million (around ₹45.59 crore). Known for his passion for haute horology and luxurious lifestyle, Anant’s watch is among the most exclusive ever created, making the event a spectacle of opulence and elegance.

However, Messi’s visit to Vantara transcended glitz and luxury. Steeped in cultural and humanitarian significance, the tour saw the football legend partake in traditional Hindu rituals. Welcomed with folk music, floral showers, and ceremonial aarti, Messi joined his Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul in Maha Aarti and offered prayers at Ambe Mata, Ganesh, Hanuman, and Shiv Abhishek shrines. The gestures symbolised peace, unity, and reverence for all living beings.

During his tour of Vantara’s sprawling conservation ecosystem, Messi engaged with rescued lions, leopards, tigers, elephants, herbivores, and reptiles, all cared for under advanced veterinary supervision. A particularly touching moment was his playful interaction with Maniklal, a rescued elephant calf, highlighting the universal language of compassion and play.

In a symbolic tribute, Anant and Radhika Ambani named a lion cub ‘Lionel’ in Messi’s honour, reflecting hope, continuity, and the footballer’s enduring legacy. Praising Vantara’s work, Messi described the rescue, rehabilitation, and care of the animals as “truly beautiful,” leaving a lasting impression on staff and visitors alike.

Messi’s visit seamlessly combined luxury, culture, and philanthropy, offering a glimpse into India’s hospitality and conservation ethos, while leaving fans mesmerised by both the footballing icon and the splendour surrounding him.