Lionel Messi, despite not achieving the desired outcome at the 2026 World Cup, made sure his Argentina teammates left the tournament with a meaningful token of their shared journey. The captain arranged for each member of the squad to receive a personalized mate collection, a gesture that reflects the camaraderie and traditions within the team.

Thoughtful Gifts for Teammates

Kelci-Rose Bowers, the partner of Argentina defender Marcos Senesi, shared details of the special gifts on social media. Each player received a custom bag featuring their name, a gold-colored Stanley flask, and the necessary items to prepare mate, a traditional South American drink. Bowers showcased the caramel-colored bag adorned with the Argentina badge and World Cup logo, explaining its significance.

Inside the bag, she found a Stanley flask with Messi's logo, a separate drinking cup, a bombilla straw, and herbs for mate preparation. After Argentina's campaign concluded, Senesi entrusted Bowers with the collection to keep safe until they returned to Miami. She expressed her delight, calling it a “pretty cool gift.”

A Tradition of Mate

In the Argentina camp, mate is more than just a beverage; it is an integral part of the team's culture. Players often bring their own mate sets to training sessions, hotels, and stadiums, making the preparation and sharing of the drink a daily ritual. This cultural significance adds depth to Messi's gift, which goes beyond mere luxury, emphasizing the bonds that have contributed to Argentina's success under coach Lionel Scaloni.

This gesture is part of Messi's ongoing tradition of rewarding his teammates. Following their 2022 World Cup victory in Qatar, he famously commissioned 35 personalized gold iPhones for the players and staff, a gesture that reportedly cost over $200,000. Messi's thoughtful gifts continue to symbolize the unity and shared experiences of the Argentine squad.