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Named “Messi” after soccer legend Lionel Messi for his fancy footwork and masterful moves on the pitch, this 8-month-old foal is a budding soccer superstar at his sanctuary home.
Young Messi was born at a PETA-supported animal sanctuary in India after his mother, Seeta, was rescued from Delhi’s cruel animal-drawn cart trade, thanks to PETA India’s Mechanization Project. Her guardian exploited her for years, forcing her to haul a heavy vegetable cart through Delhi’s hectic streets without receiving regular veterinary care.
After Seeta was retired and transferred to a sanctuary, she gave birth to a male foal. Soon, the colt was named to reflect his Messimerizing soccer skills with a giant silver rubber ball.
PETA and Animal Rahat Score for Exploited Animals
PETA India’s Delhi Mechanization Project—a winner of the Giving Economy Changemakers Award—replaces animal-drawn carts with battery-operated e-rickshaws. The project’s fund supports cart owners, allowing them to purchase e-rickshaws to transport goods safely and retire exploited animals.
Thanks to PETA India and the sanctuary provided by Animal Rahat—a PETA-supported program that works to help exploited animals in India—Seeta can now spend her days doting on her foal, and Messi can practice his passes and run dribbling drills to his heart’s content.
Support Animal Rahat’s Vital Work
Animal Rahat improves the lives of thousands of individual animals each year through its emergency fieldwork, education campaigns, and peaceful sanctuaries for rescued and retired animals. Visit its website to support this vital work:
