In a unique gesture reflecting the immense love the Indian people have for the Argentinian football legend, a zoo in India announced that it had named a newborn lion cub "Messi." This event blends the worlds of sports and wildlife, highlighting the significant cultural impact Lionel Messi has had, especially after winning the 2022 World Cup.
Football obsession in India and Messi's popularity
Although cricket is undeniably the number one sport in India, football enjoys immense popularity in specific states like Kerala, West Bengal, and Goa. Lionel Messi is considered a sacred icon by football fans in these regions. During the last World Cup in Qatar, giant images and statues of Messi appeared in the streets and along the rivers of India, reflecting a deep emotional connection that transcends geographical boundaries. Naming a lion cub after the player is a continuation of the celebrations of this star who has inspired millions across the Indian subcontinent.
The Asian Lion: India's National Pride
From an environmental perspective, this news carries significant implications for the status of lions in India. India is the only remaining habitat in the world for the Asiatic lion, specifically in Gir National Park in Gujarat. These lions are genetically distinct from their African counterparts and are considered a symbol of national pride and conservation efforts. Linking a cub of this rare subspecies to a global star like Messi indirectly contributes to raising media attention on these endangered animals and drawing attention to conservation efforts.
Zoo and tourist attraction strategies
Zoos around the world, and in India in particular, adopt a strategy of naming newborn animals after sports and art celebrities for several reasons:
- Increased tourist interest: Familiar names pique the curiosity of visitors, especially children and young people, to see "Messi the Lion" or other animals named after celebrities.
- Environmental awareness: Using catchy names helps spread the word about the park and its species conservation programs through social media, thus expanding the circle of environmental awareness.
This is not the first step of its kind, as Indian zoos have previously named tigers and elephants after cricket stars such as Sachin Tendulkar or Mahendra Singh Dhoni, confirming that naming them "Messi" is a new link in the chain of honoring heroes who have inspired people, but this time with a global Latin flavor.
