The report says each player received a custom bag carrying their name, the Argentina crest and World Cup detailing. Inside were a gold-coloured thermos, a mate cup, a metal straw and yerba mate.
Confusion online reportedly centred on the thermos, with some assuming it was made of gold. The item was gold-coloured instead, making the story less about extravagance and more about the personal detail attached to each gift.
A named bag and a complete mate kit turn a standard squad present into something tied directly to the players’ shared campaign.
Mate is deeply connected to Argentina’s football culture. Players commonly carry their sets between training camps, hotels and stadiums, making the drink part of the daily rhythm of international duty.
The ritual also has a communal side. Mate is prepared with yerba leaves and shared through a metal straw, creating a small social circle away from the pitch. For a national team, that routine can help maintain familiarity during long tournaments.
Messi’s reported decision to give the same style of gift to the entire squad also underlines the collective nature of Argentina’s campaign, rather than separating established stars from newer players.
The gift reportedly came after Argentina missed the chance to retain the World Cup. That timing gives the gesture added weight: it offered a reminder of group identity after the disappointment of a final defeat.
The next storyline will be how Argentina’s squad moves into its next international cycle. Whether Messi remains central or a new generation takes greater responsibility, mate will likely remain one of the rituals connecting the team.