Did Messi Become a Hindu Devotee? The Meaning Behind His Vantara Rituals and Chants

1. Recap of Messi’s Vantara Visit

During the GOAT India Tour 2025, football legend Lionel Messi visited Vantara, a cultural and wildlife centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat.

Messi was warmly welcomed with traditional Indian rituals, including:

• Aarti (ritual with fire and prayers)

• Chanting Hindu devotional phrases

• Pouring milk on a Shivling

Videos of the visit went viral globally, sparking questions about the meaning of the chants and whether Messi became a Hindu devotee.

2. What is Aarti & Why It’s Performed in Hinduism

Aarti is a Hindu ritual involving the offering of light (usually a small flame) to deities.

• Purpose: To honour the deity, express gratitude, and invoke blessings

• When Performed: Daily at temples, during festivals, and in special ceremonies

• Significance: Represents divine energy and devotion; participants often chant devotional phrases while performing or observing aarti

Messi’s participation was a symbol of respect for local culture, rather than a religious commitment.

3. Meaning of Jai Mata Di

“Jai Mata Di” is one of the most widely chanted phrases in Hinduism:

• Literal Meaning: “Victory to the Mother Goddess”

• Goddess Referred To: Durga, Amba, or other forms of the Divine Mother

• Purpose: Used to seek protection, blessings, and courage

• Why It Matters: Messi chanting this introduced international audiences to a key aspect of Hindu devotional practice

4. Meaning of Har Har Mahadev

“Har Har Mahadev” is a chant dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of Hinduism’s principal deities:

• Literal Meaning: “Hail Lord Shiva” or “Everyone is Mahadev”

• Purpose: A chant of devotion, courage, and unity

• Occasions: Festivals like Shivaratri, temple rituals, and spiritual gatherings

• Significance in Messi’s Visit: Demonstrated respect for local customs and added a symbolic spiritual dimension to his visit

5. Messi’s Participation — Respectful Cultural Gesture

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Pragativadi (@pragativadi)

• Messi joined rituals respectfully but did not convert to Hinduism

• Such gestures are common among international celebrities visiting cultural or religious sites

• Participation is a way to show appreciation and respect for the host community

This cultural interaction sparked global curiosity and admiration, showing how sports and culture can connect people worldwide.

6. Why the Moment Went Viral Globally

• Messi is a global sports icon, so anything he does is newsworthy

• Videos of him chanting “Jai Mata Di” and “Har Har Mahadev” spread rapidly

• Fans from outside India were curious about the meaning of these chants

• Social media amplified the cultural significance, making it a viral moment of cross-cultural respect

7. FAQs & Cultural Context

Q1: Did Messi become a Hindu after the visit?
A: No. He participated respectfully in cultural rituals without converting.

Q2: What does “Jai Mata Di” mean?
A: “Victory to the Mother Goddess,” a chant used for blessings and protection.

Q3: What is “Har Har Mahadev”?
A: A chant praising Lord Shiva, meaning “Hail Lord Shiva.”

Q4: Why do celebrities join local rituals?
A: To show respect, connect with the culture, and honor the host community.

Q5: Can anyone join Hindu rituals in India?
A: Yes, visitors can respectfully observe or participate in aarti and other rituals.