What does Messi drink?

Many of you have probably caught glimpses of Messi and other famous footballers always carrying a thermos or a strangely shaped cup wherever they go. Some have made all sorts of guesses — even thinking it might be kratom, energy drinks, or something wild. Today, we're revealing the secret behind this unique beverage, known as “yerba mate tea”.

Let’s get to know yerba mate — the favorite drink of many celebrities.

Yerba mate, or simply mate, is hugely popular among footballers — including Messi himself — thanks to its unique character, smooth taste, and powerful benefits. It’s also a social drink, often shared among friends. 

Mate is a popular drink and a cultural symbol across South America — especially in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. The tea leaves come from the yerba mate plant, known scientifically as Ilex paraguariensis.

There are several reasons why yerba mate has become so popular, such as:

• A social drink — Mate is a household staple in many South American homes. A single gourd can be shared among friends and family, as it can be refilled with hot water up to ten times. Once one person finishes, the cup is refilled and passed to the next. In fact, it's estimated that people in Argentina consume over 6 kilograms per person per year — and more than 90% of the population drinks mate regularly!
• A natural source of nutrients and beneficial compounds — Mate contains caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline, all natural stimulants that help boost energy and improve focus and concentration over extended periods.
• Delicious and surprisingly addictive — The first time I tried it, it felt like I was deep in the jungle! 😂 It has a natural, herbal flavor with a mild bitterness, like many traditional teas — but it’s not harsh at all. And the aroma? Absolutely amazing.

Footballers who are hooked on mate

Lionel Messi, a global football icon, is deeply passionate about yerba mate. He’s often seen with his own specially designed mate cup and thermos, made just for him — it’s truly a part of his daily life.

Aside from Messi, legends like Diego Maradona, Sergio Agüero, Luis Suárez, Gonzalo Higuaín, Neymar, Antoine Griezmann, and many others are also devoted mate drinkers. It’s likely so popular among players because of its ability to boost energy and enhance focus — perfect for high-performance athletes.

A natural performance booster

Yerba mate contains naturally sourced nutrients, including:

• Caffeine: Helps increase alertness and improve focus. 
• Theobromine: Supports and strengthens heart muscle function.
• Polyphenols: Stimulate antioxidant activity and help reduce water retention. 

Most importantly, the theobromine and polyphenols in yerba mate help counteract the jittery effects of caffeine, preventing heart palpitations. That’s one clear advantage over coffee — if coffee makes your heart race, mate is definitely worth a try. 

Yerba Mate: The Team-Bonding Drink of Footballers

Yerba mate is more than just a drink for football teams — it’s a way to strengthen bonds between players. The traditional mate-sharing ritual involves drinking from the same cup and refilling it with hot water before passing it to the next person. Players often sit in a circle, chatting and laughing — it’s almost like a tea version of a drinking circle! 😄 It naturally brings people closer and fosters team unity.

Which yerba mate brand is the most popular?

Now that you know all these amazing benefits, you might be wondering — which yerba mate brand is the most popular in South America? Take a look at the image below and see if you can spot which brand our very own Messi is drinking. Can you tell? 😊

Taragüi is the largest and most popular yerba mate producer in Argentina. In fact, around 60% of Argentinians choose this brand.

When you see Messi or your favorite footballers holding a uniquely shaped cup — that’s yerba mate. Originating from South America, this tea doesn’t just refresh you; it boosts alertness and helps build team unity. And now, it’s spreading to other continents too!