Anant Ambani gifts Messi a rare watch worth ₹10.91 crore during his Vantara visit
When Lionel Messi extended his much-publicized GOAT India Tour with a private stop at Vantara, the wildlife sanctuary in Jamnagar, it became more than a farewell lap. The visit, hosted by Anant Ambani, mixed culture, conservation and a headline-grabbing luxury moment: Messi was presented with an ultra-rare Richard Mille timepiece reportedly worth around ₹10–11 crore.
Anant Ambani welcomes Messi to Vantara — a quiet, symbolic finale
Messi’s stop at Vantara came after large stadium events in several Indian cities. The Jamnagar visit was intimate by design: traditional rituals, interactions with rescued animals and conversations about conservation took center stage. Anant Ambani and his team reportedly led the tour, offering Messi a look at Vantara’s rescue, rehabilitation and breeding programs.
Why the Vantara visit mattered
Beyond the celebrity optics, the Vantara stop underscored two things: the Ambani family’s growing involvement in wildlife conservation, and Messi’s interest in cultural exchange during his India appearances. The setting allowed for quieter moments away from stadium frenzy and let hosts and guests highlight environmental work that doesn’t usually make the headlines.
The gift: a rare Richard Mille RM 003-V2 — what we know
Multiple outlets reported that Anant Ambani gifted Messi a Richard Mille RM 003-V2 GMT Tourbillon “Asia Edition” during the Vantara visit. The watch was described as an ultra-rare model — some stories say it’s one of only a dozen pieces — and price estimates published in Indian media place its value between roughly ₹10 crore and ₹10.91 crore (about $1.1 million). These figures vary slightly between sources, but all point to an exceptionally high-value, limited-edition timepiece.
Why Richard Mille?
Richard Mille watches are known for extreme technical innovation, lightweight high-tech materials such as Carbon TPT, and sky-high collector values. Limited editions tied to athletes or regions often become sought-after collector pieces, which explains both the steep price tag and the media fascination when such a watch appears on the wrist of a global superstar like Messi.
Reporting discrepancies — what journalists are careful to note
Not all reports are identical. Some sources mention a ₹10 crore valuation, others ₹10.91 crore. The model designation (RM 003-V2 GMT Tourbillon, “Asia Edition”) and the limited run (commonly cited as 12 pieces) appear consistently, but precise dollar conversions and the phrasing of “gifted” versus “presented” can differ by outlet. When covering fast-moving celebrity events, journalists often publish slightly different numbers based on initial on-site information or agency copy — so it’s prudent to consider a small margin of variance until an official statement is released.
What this moment means for Anant Ambani’s public image
Anant Ambani has steadily stepped into the public eye through initiatives such as Vantara. Presenting an iconic athlete with an ultra-exclusive luxury item during a conservation tour sends two simultaneous messages: hospitality steeped in wealth and a desire to make high-profile connections that shine a light on Vantara’s mission.
For readers tracking the Ambani family’s soft power and philanthropic footprint, the episode reinforces the pattern of combining cultural hospitality with strategic visibility. The spectacle—Messi, a named lion cub, traditional rituals, and an iconic watch—creates a narrative that’s both aspirational and emblematic of modern celebrity diplomacy.
Reactions: fans, media and social media buzz
Social feeds lit up almost instantly. Fans delighted at seeing Messi participate in Indian rituals and interact with animals; luxury watchers zoomed in on the watch; conservation supporters appreciated the focus on Vantara. Media outlets balanced the coverage between the feel-good cultural moments and the conspicuous luxury. In such stories, the broader public discussion often splits into admiration for Messi’s cultural engagement and debate over the optics of extravagant gifting in conservation settings.
Takeaway: fact-checked, but evolving
Based on multiple reputable outlets, the core facts are clear: Lionel Messi visited Vantara in Jamnagar and was hosted by Anant Ambani; during the visit he was seen with an ultra-rare Richard Mille timepiece that several outlets value at roughly ₹10–11 crore. Exact model details and the final valuation have been reported consistently as RM 003-V2 (Asia Edition), though dollar conversions and precise rupee figures differ slightly across reports. Until an official statement from the parties involved or Richard Mille is made public, a small margin of reporting variance is expected.
How reporters verified this story
Journalists combined on-site photos and videos, statements from local agencies, and watch-expert commentary on model rarity to assemble the reports. For readers who value precision: primary visuals from the visit (photos and short clips) and multiple independent media reports formed the basis for the widely circulated valuation and the watch’s identification. Still, luxury watch valuations can fluctuate on auction floors and secondary markets, which is why different outlets report slightly different numbers.
Final thoughts: a high-value gift within a larger story
The image of Anant Ambani gifting Lionel Messi an ultra-rare Richard Mille at Vantara is arresting because it blends luxury with conservation and cultural ceremony. It’s a moment that amplified attention for the Vantara sanctuary, spotlighted cross-cultural exchange and sparked conversations about how public figures use their platforms. Whether you follow the Ambanis for their philanthropy, business, or page-turner moments, this incident neatly encapsulates how modern public life mixes spectacle with purpose.
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