India’s first individual Olympic gold medalist, Abhinav Bindra, welcomed football icon Lionel Messi’s visit to India while cautioning sports administrators against confusing spectacle with sustainable progress.

“Great sporting nations are not built by moments; they are built by systems. By patience. By belief in the ordinary child with an extraordinary dream,” Bindra said.

Acknowledging the power of global icons to inspire, Bindra emphasized that inspiration must translate into long-term intent. 

“Icons like Messi inspire us, and that inspiration matters deeply. But inspiration must be met with intent. With long-term commitment. With choices that reflect not just what excites us today but what will strengthen us tomorrow,” he said. He added, “If we truly wish to honor legends like Messi, the most meaningful way to do so is not through grand gestures but by ensuring that somewhere in India a young child has a field to play on, a coach to believe in them, and a chance to dream.”

In a reflective message shared on social media, Bindra described Messi as one of those “rare athletes” whose story transcends sport. He noted that Messi’s journey, from overcoming physical challenges in childhood to redefining excellence on the world stage, has inspired millions globally. “As someone who has lived the life of an athlete, I hold profound respect and admiration for what he represents: perseverance, humility, and an uncompromising pursuit of greatness,” Bindra said.

However, Bindra acknowledged feeling uneasy as aspects of Messi’s visit unfolded. “It compelled me to pause and reflect, not in judgment but in genuine concern about what we were really trying to achieve,” he said. 

While recognizing the commercial realities of modern sport, he clarified, “I fully understand the economics of sport. I am familiar with commercial realities, global branding, and the allure of icons. I do not fault Messi in any way. He has earned every opportunity that comes his way, and admiration for greatness is natural, even beautiful.”

“But admiration must also invite introspection,” Bindra added, posing a broader question to Indian sports promoters and administrators. “As a society, are we building a culture of sport, or are we simply celebrating individuals from afar.” He concluded that lasting sporting legacies are built through culture, access, and sustained systems.

Bindra’s remarks were widely seen as a measured reminder amid the extensive public adulation surrounding Messi’s visit, which drew massive attention from fans across India.

During his stay, Messi participated in prayers and a Maha Aarti at a temple, including Ambe Mata Puja, Ganesh Puja, Hanuman Puja, and Shiv Abhishek, offering prayers for world peace and unity. He also visited Vantara, a wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation center founded by Anant Ambani, where initiatives traditionally begin with seeking blessings in accordance with Sanatana Dharma, emphasizing reverence for nature and all living beings.

Messi’s visit reflected this cultural ethos as he took part in traditional Hindu rituals, observed wildlife conservation efforts, and interacted with caregivers and conservation teams. He was accompanied by Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul and was welcomed with folk music, floral blessings, and a ceremonial aarti.

At Vantara, Messi toured the conservation ecosystem, home to rescued big cats, elephants, herbivores, reptiles, and fostered animals from around the world. He also visited the green energy complex and the world’s largest refinery complex, expressing admiration for the scale and vision of the operations.

At various care centers, including facilities for carnivores, herbivores, and reptiles, Messi observed animals thriving under specialized veterinary care, customized nutrition, and enrichment protocols. He toured the multi-specialty wildlife hospital, witnessed clinical and surgical procedures, and later fed okapis, rhinos, giraffes, and elephants. From a global perspective, he praised India’s leadership and the Prime Minister’s commitment to advancing wildlife care and conservation.

At the Foster Care Centre, dedicated to orphaned and vulnerable young animals, Messi learned about their rehabilitation journeys. In a symbolic gesture, Anant and Radhika Ambani named a lion cub “Lionel” in his honor.

A highlight of the visit came at the Elephant Care Centre, where Messi met Maniklal, a rescued elephant calf saved with his mother, Prathima, from the logging industry. In an impromptu moment, Messi engaged in a football-based enrichment activity with the calf, underscoring the universal language of play.

Responding in Spanish, Anant said, “I thank him for visiting Vantara and inspiring everyone selflessly toward 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.”

The visit concluded with traditional rituals, including Nariyal Utsarg and Matka Phod, symbolizing goodwill and auspicious beginnings, along with chants for peace and well-being. Messi, who leads the Leo Messi Foundation focused on social causes, education, healthcare, and children’s welfare, expressed alignment with Vantara’s mission and appreciation for its vision of compassionate, science-driven wildlife care.

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