After Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, Lionel Messi gifted each of his team members with a special gift set that they will never forget. Although Argentina lost the match at MetLife Stadium after Ferran Torres’ 106th-minute goal, Messi’s act of kindness as captain was widely talked about around the world. Details of the gift set were first revealed to the world through a video shared on social media by Kelsey-Rose Bowers, the partner of Argentina defender Marcos Senesi.
The gift set included some of the most beautiful and useful items. Among them was a special caramel/brown backpack with the player’s name (for example, “Marcos Senesi”), the official symbol of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), the World Cup symbol and light blue details. In addition, it included a gold-colored Stanley thermos bottle with Messi’s personal logo and a complete set for making and drinking mate, a traditional Argentine drink (mate cup, bombilla pipe and yerba mate leaf parquet). She said that at Senesi’s request, she had taken care of these safely and gave this mate set to each of Messi’s teammates.
What is special about this gift is that it is not just an expensive and extravagant gift. Mate is a key element in Argentine culture, symbolizing brotherhood, sharing and friendship. Although Messi gifted his players gold-plated iPhones when they won the 2022 World Cup, this time after a defeat, he chose this wonderful gift that has great cultural value, where they can drink together. Despite losing in the competition, Messi’s decision to celebrate the time they spent together as a team and that bond shows his humility and leadership qualities.
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