Messi gives Argentina teammates mate sets after final

Lionel Messi presented his Argentina teammates with personalized parting gifts following their 2026 World Cup campaign, a gesture that came to light through social media posts by the girlfriend of defender Marcos Senesi. The gifts, distributed after Argentina's 1-0 extra-time loss to Spain in the World Cup final on July 26, 2026, consisted of custom mate sets, a culturally significant offering for the South American squad.

KelciRose Bowers, Senesi's girlfriend and a professional footballer herself, shared a video detailing the contents of the gift bag her partner received. The brown bag was adorned with the Argentine Football Association logo, the World Cup trophy emblem, and Senesi's name. Inside was a gold-colored Stanley thermos featuring Messi's personal brand logo, a mate cup, a packet of yerba leaves, and a metal straw with a spoon. Bowers explained in the clip that Messi gave the gift to all the players.

The choice of a mate set carries deep cultural resonance, as the caffeinated herbal drink is a national beverage in Argentina and a daily ritual popular within the squad. The gesture arrives in the aftermath of a painful conclusion to Argentina's title defense, where a...