JAMNAGAR, India, Dec. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Global football icon Lionel Messi made a special visit to Vantara, a wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and conservation centre founded by Anant Ambani. At the centre, initiatives traditionally begin with seeking blessings in accordance with Sanatana Dharma, which emphasises reverence for nature and respect for all living beings. Messi's visit reflected this cultural ethos, as he participated in traditional Indian rituals, observed wildlife, and interacted with caregivers and conservation teams. His engagements during the visit reflected the humility and humanitarian values for which he is widely recognised and highlighted the warm bond and friendship he shares with Anant Ambani, rooted in a shared commitment to wildlife conservation.
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Messi, accompanied by his Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, was welcomed in a grand traditional style with vibrant folk music, a shower of flowers symbolising blessings and purity of intent, and a ceremonial aarti. The football legend also participated in a Maha Aarti at the temple, including Ambe Mata Puja, Ganesh Puja, Hanuman Puja and Shiv Abhishek, offering prayers for world peace and unity, in keeping with India's timeless ethos of reverence for all living beings.
Following the welcome, Messi embarked on a guided tour of Vantara's expansive conservation ecosystem, home to rescued big cats, elephants, herbivores, reptiles, and fostered young animals from across the globe. He also visited the green energy complex and the world's largest refinery complex, where he expressed amazement at the scale and vision behind the operations.
At the care centre for lions, leopards, tigers and other endangered species, Messi interacted with animals thriving in enriched, naturalistic environments, many of whom approached him with curiosity. He then visited the Herbivore Care Centre and the Reptile Care Centre, where he observed animals flourishing under specialised veterinary care, customised nutrition, behavioural training, and husbandry protocols that reflect Vantara's global leadership in wildlife welfare. During the visit, he also toured the multi-speciality wildlife hospital, witnessing real-time clinical and surgical procedures, and later fed the okapis, rhinos, giraffes and elephants. From a global perspective, he also praised the commitment of the Prime Minister of India to advancing wildlife care and conservation across the country.
At the Foster Care Centre, dedicated to orphaned and vulnerable young animals, Messi learned about their journeys of resilience. In a heartfelt gesture, Anant Ambani and Radhika Ambani together named a lion cub "Lionel," a name that now represents hope and continuity, given in honour of the football legend.
The highlight of the tour came at the Elephant Care Centre, where Messi met Maniklal, a rescued elephant calf saved along with his ailing mother, Prathima, from harsh labour in the logging industry two years ago. In a moment that captured hearts across the centre, Messi engaged in an impromptu football enrichment activity with Maniklal, demonstrating the universal language of play. The calf responded enthusiastically to the activity, making playful moves that showcased his own emerging skills, marking one of the most memorable moments of Messi's visit to India.
Responding in Spanish to Anant Ambani, who thanked him for visiting Vantara and for inspiring everyone selflessly towards animals and mankind, Messi said, "What Vantara does is truly beautiful—the work for animals, the care they receive, the way they are rescued and looked after. It is genuinely impressive. We had a wonderful time, felt completely at ease throughout, and it is an experience that stays with you. We will surely visit again to continue inspiring and supporting this meaningful work."
"For the first time, two global icons came together—one renowned for sporting excellence, the other for leadership in business and wildlife conservation" Says Bharat Mehra, Chief Advisor to Anant Ambani.
As the visit came to a close, Messi participated in Nariyal Utsarg and Matka Phod, traditional rituals symbolising goodwill and auspicious beginnings. The ceremony concluded with chants for peace and well-being, underscoring the shared values that align Vantara's mission with Messi's global legacy. Messi, who leads the Leo Messi Foundation dedicated to social causes, education, healthcare and children's welfare worldwide, expressed a deep sense of alignment with Vantara's purpose and appreciation for its vision of compassionate, science-driven care for animals.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Lionel Messi visits Vantara, experiences unforgettable encounters with sacred Indian traditions and wildlife conservation initiatives in India
Lionel Messi visits Vantara, experiences unforgettable encounters with sacred Indian traditions and wildlife conservation initiatives in India
Lionel Messi visits Vantara, experiences unforgettable encounters with sacred Indian traditions and wildlife conservation initiatives in India
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Despite challenging framework conditions such as high energy prices, the international introduction of tariffs, and bureaucratic requirements, Saxony-Anhalt is drawing a positive balance for 2025: leading companies have announced or begun substantial investments this year. The federal state, with around 2.14 million inhabitants, is characterized by short distances and fast decision-making and has further strengthened its image as an innovative industrial and technology location. With a diverse mix of high-tech, pharmaceuticals, logistics, chemicals, and mechanical engineering, the state is well positioned for the future-and is expecting important openings in 2026 that will continue its growth trajectory.
MAGDEBURG, Germany, Dec. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Among the most significant projects is Novartis' decision to build a new production facility for radioligand therapies in Halle (Saale). The technology is considered groundbreaking in personalized cancer medicine. With this new site, the state not only strengthens its life sciences sector but also gains additional international visibility. Saxony-Anhalt's Minister for Economic Affairs, Sven Schulze, emphasizes: "This investment shows the great confidence in our state's innovative strength and reinforces our ambition to be a leading location for future industries." Proximity to excellent research institutions, access to Leipzig/Halle Airport, and modern logistics structures were decisive factors for the choice of Halle.
In addition to cutting-edge medical technology, the industrial sector is also evolving dynamically: Wintipak is already realizing the third construction phase in Star Park Halle and expanding its capacities for aseptic packaging solutions. The investment creates additional space for office, technical, and storage functions and supports the long-term stability of the European production network. With this step, the company explicitly commits to the region and focuses on sustainable, efficient production processes.
A milestone in logistics is taking shape in Bernburg (Saale), where Avnet is establishing a high-performance distribution center for electronic components, including semiconductor electronics, with an investment volume of more than 225 million euros. Operations are scheduled to start in spring 2026-with up to 700 new jobs and the capability to ship tens of thousands of parcels worldwide each day. Sustainable energy supply and modern automation make the center a flagship project for the entire region.
With regard to semiconductor-related industries, Mercury is also taking an important step: The Irish company is building an engineering and manufacturing center in Schönebeck. The opening is likewise scheduled for spring 2026. About 200 skilled professionals will provide innovative engineering services for European high-tech customers. The decision was driven by the strong quality of the location and its central position within Germany.
Another project of supraregional importance was realized in Halberstadt: Daimler Truck's new Global Parts Center-the largest spare parts hub of its kind in Europe-was completed in just two years and has created more than 650 jobs. Daimler Truck is also setting new standards for sustainable logistics with its CO₂-neutral energy concept.
Successful mid-sized companies like the electric ship motor manufacturer Ramme Electric Machines from Osterwieck also demonstrate how innovation "Made in Saxony-Anhalt" resonates worldwide. The Bitterfeld-Wolfen Chemical Park continues to grow as well: Campo Amargo is expanding its production of specialty reagents, strengthening the state's chemical and biotechnological expertise. At the same time, Merz is investing 50 million euros in additional capacities for highly specialized active ingredients at the Biopharmapark Dessau-Roßlau.
All this shows: Saxony-Anhalt is building on its success and heading for further milestones in 2026. The state is an attractive location for companies seeking growth, innovation, and future readiness.
More Information:
Novartis Deutschland
Wintipak continues to invest in Halle | WINTIPAK
Avnet Distributionszentrum Bernburg | Avnet EMEA
Mercury marks significant milestone at new €25 million engineering and Offsite Manufacturing facility in Germany - Mercury Engineering
Halberstadt, Daimler Truck Global Parts Center | Daimler Truck
Home - RAMME
Oligonucleotide Synthesis Reagents | High Quality
Home - Merz
Contact details:
Sabine Kraus
Mobile: +49 172 3221 694
Sabine.Kraus@img-sachsen-anhalt.de
Despite challenging framework conditions such as high energy prices, the international introduction of tariffs, and bureaucratic requirements, Saxony-Anhalt is drawing a positive balance for 2025: leading companies have announced or begun substantial investments this year. The federal state, with around 2.14 million inhabitants, is characterized by short distances and fast decision-making and has further strengthened its image as an innovative industrial and technology location. With a diverse mix of high-tech, pharmaceuticals, logistics, chemicals, and mechanical engineering, the state is well positioned for the future-and is expecting important openings in 2026 that will continue its growth trajectory.
MAGDEBURG, Germany, Dec. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Among the most significant projects is Novartis' decision to build a new production facility for radioligand therapies in Halle (Saale). The technology is considered groundbreaking in personalized cancer medicine. With this new site, the state not only strengthens its life sciences sector but also gains additional international visibility. Saxony-Anhalt's Minister for Economic Affairs, Sven Schulze, emphasizes: "This investment shows the great confidence in our state's innovative strength and reinforces our ambition to be a leading location for future industries." Proximity to excellent research institutions, access to Leipzig/Halle Airport, and modern logistics structures were decisive factors for the choice of Halle.
In addition to cutting-edge medical technology, the industrial sector is also evolving dynamically: Wintipak is already realizing the third construction phase in Star Park Halle and expanding its capacities for aseptic packaging solutions. The investment creates additional space for office, technical, and storage functions and supports the long-term stability of the European production network. With this step, the company explicitly commits to the region and focuses on sustainable, efficient production processes.
A milestone in logistics is taking shape in Bernburg (Saale), where Avnet is establishing a high-performance distribution center for electronic components, including semiconductor electronics, with an investment volume of more than 225 million euros. Operations are scheduled to start in spring 2026-with up to 700 new jobs and the capability to ship tens of thousands of parcels worldwide each day. Sustainable energy supply and modern automation make the center a flagship project for the entire region.
With regard to semiconductor-related industries, Mercury is also taking an important step: The Irish company is building an engineering and manufacturing center in Schönebeck. The opening is likewise scheduled for spring 2026. About 200 skilled professionals will provide innovative engineering services for European high-tech customers. The decision was driven by the strong quality of the location and its central position within Germany.
Another project of supraregional importance was realized in Halberstadt: Daimler Truck's new Global Parts Center-the largest spare parts hub of its kind in Europe-was completed in just two years and has created more than 650 jobs. Daimler Truck is also setting new standards for sustainable logistics with its CO₂-neutral energy concept.
Successful mid-sized companies like the electric ship motor manufacturer Ramme Electric Machines from Osterwieck also demonstrate how innovation "Made in Saxony-Anhalt" resonates worldwide. The Bitterfeld-Wolfen Chemical Park continues to grow as well: Campo Amargo is expanding its production of specialty reagents, strengthening the state's chemical and biotechnological expertise. At the same time, Merz is investing 50 million euros in additional capacities for highly specialized active ingredients at the Biopharmapark Dessau-Roßlau.
All this shows: Saxony-Anhalt is building on its success and heading for further milestones in 2026. The state is an attractive location for companies seeking growth, innovation, and future readiness.
More Information:
Novartis Deutschland
Wintipak continues to invest in Halle | WINTIPAK
Avnet Distributionszentrum Bernburg | Avnet EMEA
Mercury marks significant milestone at new €25 million engineering and Offsite Manufacturing facility in Germany - Mercury Engineering
Halberstadt, Daimler Truck Global Parts Center | Daimler Truck
Home - RAMME
Oligonucleotide Synthesis Reagents | High Quality
Home - Merz
Contact details:
Sabine Kraus
Mobile: +49 172 3221 694
Sabine.Kraus@img-sachsen-anhalt.de
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
IMG Saxony-Anhalt: 2026 in Sight - Saxony-Anhalt Sets the Pace for Future Industries
IMG Saxony-Anhalt: 2026 in Sight - Saxony-Anhalt Sets the Pace for Future Industries
IMG Saxony-Anhalt: 2026 in Sight - Saxony-Anhalt Sets the Pace for Future Industries
