Lionel Messi surprises Argentina teammates with personalized World Cup gifts
· Yahoo Sports
The 2026 FIFA World Cup didn't go according to plan for Lionel Messi and his Argentina teammates, following a lackluster 1-0 extra-time Final loss to Spain.
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Messi, almost certainly competing in his final World Cup, received unwavering support from his Argentine teammates throughout the tournament, even in defeat. So, the 39-year-old showed his appreciation with a parting gift.
Kelci-Rose Bowers, girlfriend of Argentina defender Marcos Senesi, shared a brief clip across her social media channels showcasing a personalized yerba mate set from Stanley, embroidered with Messi's personal logo. Mate, an herbal tea, is Argentina's national beverage and a firm favorite among the national team's players, as per The Mirror US.
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"I have to show you guys something really cool. You will be very happy to see this," Bowers said in a social media video. "Marcos brought this bag from the camp. It also has his name written on it. This is his mate set. Messi gave this gift to all the players."
The set features the gold Stanley Flask bearing a Messi logo, an ample supply of leaves, a customized spoon, metal straws, a golden carry bag, and additional accessories.
English-born Bowers, herself a professional soccer player, crossed paths with Senesi when both were playing at AFC Bournemouth. She was a passionate supporter throughout the World Cup, attending every one of Argentina's matches in a kit.
As a youth player, she trained in both the Chelsea and Southampton academies before relocating to the United States to play college soccer at LSU.
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Senesi, 29, completed four seasons at Bournemouth following his arrival from Feyenoord in 2022. His contract expired this summer, and he has since moved to Tottenham Hotspur as a free agent.
He made two appearances at the World Cup, a roster he only joined following a late injury to Leonardo Balerdi. Senesi received the news while vacationing with Bowers.
Christian Romero and Lisandro Martínez were manager Lionel Scaloni's first-choice center-back pairing. Senesi played the entire group stage fixture against Jordan, a match Argentina entered having already secured its place in the World Cup knockout phase.
He subsequently entered as a late replacement in the Final against Spain after Argentina was reduced to 10 men following Enzo Fernández's reckless challenge late in regulation time. Senesi featured for 18 minutes, but he was powerless to stop Spain's Ferran Torres from netting the 106th-minute winner in extra time.