The youngest son of Asia’s richest billionaire gifts Messi a $1.2 million watch
From arriving empty-wristed to leaving with a statement timepiece, Lionel Messi drew attention when he was suddenly spotted wearing a Richard Mille RM 003-V2 GMT Tourbillon—sparking speculation that it was a gift from Anant Ambani.
Messi, watch, Richard Mille, Anant Ambani, billionaire son 1
During his visit to Vantara—the wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation center founded by Anant Ambani—on December 17, Messi is believed to have received a Richard Mille watch valued at around USD 1.2 million. Photo: @asiannewshub/IG.
Messi, watch, Richard Mille, Anant Ambani, billionaire son 2
Initially, the football star arrived at Vantara without a watch. However, in later moments of the tour, fans noticed on his wrist the Richard Mille RM 003-V2 GMT Tourbillon “Asia Edition,” an ultra-rare model produced in only 12 pieces. The watch’s appearance immediately fueled speculation that it was a gift from Anant Ambani during this visit. Photo: @business.standard/IG.
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The timepiece features a black carbon case and a skeleton dial showcasing a complex tourbillon structure, with an estimated value of about USD 1.2 million. Photo: eBay, @brutindia/FB.
Equally eye-catching, Anant Ambani himself appeared wearing one of the most expensive watches ever made by Richard Mille—the RM 056 Sapphire Tourbillon—estimated at USD 5 million. With its transparent sapphire case, the model is seen as a bold statement of status and the youngest son of billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s passion for haute horology. Photo: @asiannewshub/IG.
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According to the organizers, Messi’s visit to Vantara carried deep cultural and humanitarian significance. Following Sanatana Dharma traditions at the center, Messi took part in Hindu rituals and received blessings before beginning the tour. He was welcomed with folk music, flowers, and a formal aarti ceremony, accompanied by Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul.
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Messi also attended Maha Aarti and performed rituals such as Ambe Mata Puja, Ganesh Puja, Hanuman Puja, and Shiv Abhishek—ceremonies symbolizing prayers for peace, connection, and respect for all living beings. Photo: @business.standard/IG.
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Within Vantara’s vast grounds, Messi had the chance to interact directly with a diverse conservation ecosystem that cares for and rehabilitates many wildlife species, including lions, leopards, tigers, elephants, herbivores, and reptiles under the supervision of professional veterinarians. One of the most widely shared moments was Messi interacting with Maniklal, a rescued baby elephant. Photo: @business.standard/IG.
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At the end of the visit, Anant Ambani and his wife Radhika Ambani named a lion cub “Lionel” in honor of Lionel Messi. Reflecting on the experience at Vantara, Messi expressed admiration for the rescue, care, and rehabilitation efforts carried out there. Photo: @asiannewshub/IG.
This is not the first time Anant Ambani has met close associates and gifted luxury timepieces. At his wedding last year, the young businessman was reportedly said to have gifted 25 close friends limited-edition Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watches, each estimated to be worth around USD 250,000. Photo: @theindianhorology/IG, Epic Storie.