Messi's post‑World Cup gifts to Argentina

In late June 2026 a teammate highlighted Lionel Messi’s private assistance to Argentine Football Association staff, noting his behind‑the‑scenes support. Less than a month later, after Argentina’s 0‑1 loss to Spain in the World Cup final, Messi publicly presented a custom mate‑kit to several teammates. The kit, shown on TikTok, includes a personalized bag bearing the national crest, a gold‑plated Stanley thermos, matching yerba‑mate cup, straw and herbs, and was initially reported as worth roughly $20,000.

In late July 2026 a TikTok video posted by Kelci‑Rose Bowers documented Messi handing an identical personalised mate‑kit to each member of the squad. The set features a brown leather bag with the player’s name, the AFA crest and the World Cup 2026 logo, a gold‑coloured Stanley thermos, traditional mate cup, yerba‑mate packets and a metal straw. The kits are now estimated at about $300 each, confirming the widespread distribution of the gift following the team’s silver‑medal finish.