The Argentina national team received a heartfelt gift from their captain, Lionel Messi, after the 2026 World Cup final. Despite the 1-0 loss to Spain on July 19, the star player surprised his teammates with personalized mate kits. This gesture reflects the spirit of unity and camaraderie that defined the team throughout the tournament.

What did Messi gift his teammates?

Messi gave each player a personalized mate kit, which included a brown bag with the Argentine Football Association's initials, a golden Stanley thermos with the captain's brand logo, a mate, yerba, and a bombilla with a built-in spoon. Kelci-Rose Bowers, girlfriend of Marcos Senesi, shared on TikTok the gift received by the central defender, highlighting its exclusive design.

Why is this gift special?

The mate is a symbol of Argentine culture, and this personalized present shows Messi's affection and gratitude towards his teammates. The captain, who chose not to return to Buenos Aires after the final and retreated to Rosario, wanted to leave a unique memory of their time together at the 2026 World Cup.

What did Messi do after the World Cup?

After the final defeat, Messi avoided returning to Buenos Aires and headed to Rosario to rest with his family. However, he surprised fans by attending a match of Leones, the club founded by his family. The captain was cheered by the supporters, showing his connection with Argentine football.

The Argentina national team finished their 2026 World Cup campaign with a record of 4 wins, 0 draws, and 1 loss in their last five matches (LWWWW). Despite the final result, the team left a strong impression in the tournament.