Inside Lionel Messi’s Personalized Mate Kits for Argentina World Cup Squad

Lionel Messi provided personalized mate kits to members of the Argentina national team during the World Cup, as revealed by Kelci-Rose Bowers. Bowers, the partner of an Argentine defender, shared images and details of the custom gifts used by the players during the tournament.

The gifts consisted of traditional mate sets, which include the gourd for the infusion and the bombilla, or metal straw. According to the details shared by Bowers, these kits were customized for the individual players, serving as a gesture of camaraderie within the squad during their campaign.

Mate is a traditional South American caffeine-rich drink derived from the leaves of the yerba mate plant. It is common for players and coaching staff of the Argentina national team to share the drink during training sessions and travel as a cultural ritual of bonding.

The revelation of the personalized kits came through social media posts by Bowers, which highlighted the specific designs and the personal touch Messi added to the gifts for his teammates. The gesture reflects the leadership role Messi maintains within the group, extending beyond his on-field performance to team morale and cultural cohesion.