Lionel Messi’s visit to India made global news, not just for its cultural and charitable focus, but also for a luxury moment that drew wide attention. During his visit to Vantara, the wildlife care and conservation centre founded by Anant Ambani, Messi was seen wearing an extremely rare Richard Mille watch said to be worth around Rs 10.91 crore.
🇮🇳⌚️ During his visit to India, Lionel Messi received an ultra-rare Richard Mille RM 003 V2 “Asia Edition” as a gift from Anant Ambani.
This watch is one of Richard Mille’s early and most iconic models, which estimated market value is $1.1 million. pic.twitter.com/r4r1lZYG2K
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) December 16, 2025
According to reports, Messi arrived at the centre without a watch. Midway through the visit, he was spotted wearing the Richard Mille RM 003-V2 GMT Tourbillon Asia Edition. This model is limited to only 12 pieces worldwide. It features a black carbon case, a skeleton-style dial, and a tourbillon movement. The watch is priced at about USD 1.2 million, which converts to roughly Rs 10.91 crore.
While neither Messi nor the Ambani family has released an official statement confirming the gift, luxury watch experts and close observers believe the timepiece was presented by Anant Ambani as a personal gesture during the visit. The moment added to ongoing public interest around the friendship between the two.
Adding to the attention, Anant Ambani himself was wearing one of the rarest watches ever produced: the Richard Mille RM 056 Sapphire Tourbillon. This watch, made with a fully transparent sapphire case, is valued at around USD 5 million, or approximately Rs 45.59 crore, and is known to exist in extremely limited numbers.
Messi’s Time at Vantara
Messi’s visit to Vantara went far beyond luxury and public interest. The football star took part in traditional rituals followed at the centre, which reflect respect for nature and living beings. He was welcomed with folk music, flower petals, and a ceremonial aarti, alongside Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul.
Global football icon Lionel Messi made a special visit to Vantara. At the centre, initiatives traditionally begin with seeking blessings in accordance with Sanatana Dharma. Messi’s visit reflected this cultural ethos as he participated in traditional Hindu rituals, observed… pic.twitter.com/0JNiAbtlGW
— ANI (@ANI) December 16, 2025
During the visit, Messi participated in religious ceremonies including Ambe Mata Puja, Ganesh Puja, Hanuman Puja, and Shiv Abhishek. These rituals were conducted before his tour of the conservation grounds.
Messi later explored the facility, which houses rescued lions, leopards, tigers, elephants, herbivores, and reptiles. He observed animal care practices and interacted with veterinary teams working on rescue and recovery efforts.
Global football icon Lionel 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… pic.twitter.com/jz0MdyRlKg
— ANI (@ANI) December 16, 2025
A widely shared moment from the visit took place at the Elephant Care Centre. Messi joined a football-based activity with Maniklal, a rescued elephant calf. The interaction drew attention for its warmth and simplicity, showing how sport can create connection across species.
In a symbolic move, Anant and Radhika Ambani named a lion cub “Lionel” in Messi’s honour. The gesture was described as a sign of hope and continuity. Speaking about the visit, Messi said the rescue and care work at Vantara was “truly beautiful” and left a strong impression on him.
Current Status of the Story
As of recent coverage in 2024 and early 2025, the Richard Mille watch moment continues to be discussed across sports and luxury circles. While official confirmation has not been issued, the story remains one of the most talked-about moments from Messi’s India visit, combining sport, culture, wildlife care, and personal connections.
