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Pan American experiences
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Argentina |
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Messi's Mate: The Infusion that Unites an Idol with His LandBy Jazmin Agudelo for Ruta Pantera on 10/16/2025 8:29:11 AM |
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| On the cobblestone streets of Rosario, where the afternoon sun paints the old buildings golden, Lionel Messi grew up surrounded by simple rituals that defined his identity. One of them, perhaps the most deeply rooted, is that of brewing a mate. Imagine the captain of the Argentine national team, hours before a crucial match in the 2022 World Cup, sitting in the locker room with a gourd in hand, sipping the bitter infusion while chatting with his teammates. It wasn't just a drink; it was an anchor to his roots, a moment of calm amid the chaos of global football. Messi, the genius of the ball who has conquered the world, has never hidden his devotion to yerba mate, a tradition that transcends sport and intertwines with the very essence of Argentina. This infusion, known simply as "mate" in the Southern Cone, is not merely a stimulant. For Messi and millions of Argentines, it represents community, resistance, and an unbreakable bond with history. In this article, we explore the football star's favorite drink, why mate holds such a special place in Argentine culture, how many times a day it is consumed on average, and some curious facts that reveal its depth. Through personal stories, historical analyses, and scientific perspectives, we unravel how a humble plant became the symbol of a nation. | ||||
| Messi and His Faithful Companion: Mate in the Champion's Life Lionel Messi is not just a footballer; he is an unwitting ambassador of Argentine customs. In countless photos and videos, he is seen with his thermos and gourd, whether on the Barcelona bench, in the Paris Saint-Germain locker room, or now, on the sunny fields of Inter Miami. "Mate is part of my daily routine," Messi has confessed in interviews, highlighting how it helps him maintain concentration and energy without the ups and downs of coffee or energy drinks. In fact, during the 2022 Qatar World Cup, the Argentine national team transported more than 240 kilograms of yerba mate, a detail that underscores its importance in the team. Messi, along with teammates like Rodrigo De Paul and Luis Suárez, shares it as a bonding ritual, a way to relax tensions before matches. But what brand does the "10" prefer? Sources close to him reveal that Messi opts for varieties like Canarias or Rei Verde Export, robust and traditional yerbas that evoke the flavors of his childhood in Rosario. In a viral video from 2023, he was seen preparing mate in a classic style: with a silver straw and a torpedo-shaped gourd, a nod to gaucho customs. This preference is no coincidence; Messi has explained that mate connects him with his family and friends, reminding him of lazy Sundays in Argentina where football and the infusion went hand in hand. His move to Miami in 2023 has broadened the horizons of mate. In the United States, where the drink was little known, Messi has become a "living showcase" of its consumption, as described by an expert in South American culture. Stories from Inter Miami teammates, like Suárez himself, show mate sessions that foster camaraderie in a multicultural squad. Even on his social media, Messi shares intimate moments: a photo with his personalized Stanley thermos, or a video sipping mate during a post-training nap. For him, it's not just hydration; it's a piece of homeland in every sip. This devotion is not unique in the world of football. Players like Antoine Griezmann, who adopted mate during his time at Atlético de Madrid influenced by Uruguayans, or Neymar, who drinks it with Messi in their Barcelona days, have popularized the infusion in Europe. But for Messi, it's personal. In an interview with the BBC, he admitted that mate helped him overcome difficult moments, like injuries or criticisms, providing a constant ritual in a life of constant changes. Historical Roots: From the Guaraní to National Identity To understand why mate is so special in Argentina, one must go back centuries. Yerba mate, derived from the plant Ilex paraguariensis, was discovered by the indigenous Guaraní peoples in the 16th century, in regions that today encompass Paraguay, northern Argentina, and southern Brazil. The Guaraní used it not only as a drink but as medicine and an offering in spiritual rituals, valuing its energizing and healing properties. When Spanish conquerors arrived in the 16th century, they observed this habit and adopted it quickly. The explorer Juan Francisco de Aguirre first mentioned mate in 1536, describing it as an infusion that gave vigor to the natives. During the colonial era, mate spread throughout the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata. The Jesuits, in their missions in Paraguay, cultivated the plant systematically, turning it into an exportable commodity. In Argentina, it integrated into the life of the gauchos, the cowboys of the pampas, who drank it during long days on horseback. In the 19th century, with independence and European immigration, mate solidified as a symbol of national unity. Italian, Spanish, and Polish immigrants adopted it, fusing it with their own traditions. Today, Argentina is the world's largest consumer of yerba mate, with an annual consumption of approximately 250,000 tons. The government even declared it the "national infusion" in 2013, recognizing its role in cultural identity. In regions like Misiones and Corrientes, where 90% of the country's yerba is cultivated, the economy revolves around this plant. But its specialty goes beyond the economy: it is a social equalizer. In Argentina, mate is shared across all strata, from shantytowns to executive offices, fostering conversations and human bonds in a often divided society. Cultural Specialty: A Ritual of Hospitality and Community Why is mate so special in Argentina? The answer lies in its social dimension. Unlike tea or coffee, which are consumed individually, mate is inherently shared. In a "mate round," one person acts as the "brewer," preparing the infusion and passing it in a circle. This act symbolizes hospitality and trust: sharing the same straw implies intimacy and equality. In the words of an Argentine anthropologist, "mate is the social glue of the nation." In the urban context, mate accompanies daily life. In Buenos Aires, it's common to see people walking with thermoses under their arms, or groups in parks sipping mate while discussing politics or football. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the ritual adapted: many opted for individual mates, but the desire to share persisted as a cultural longing. In the countryside, gauchos use it to combat the cold of the pampas, while in cities, it's an antidote to modern stress. Its specialty also lies in its versatility. It can be drunk bitter (traditional), sweet (with sugar), with milk, or even cold as "tereré" on hot days. In Argentina, bitter mate predominates, reflecting a taste for the authentic and robust. Additionally, it is a symbol of resistance: during dictatorships and economic crises, mate has been an accessible comfort, a democratic luxury in times of scarcity. Daily Consumption: An Unbreakable Habit How many times a day do Argentines drink mate? On average, three or four times, according to cultural surveys. But this varies: in traditional homes, the day starts with a morning mate, it's shared at lunch, resumed at snack time, and the night closes with a family round. A study from the University of Buenos Aires indicates that 90% of Argentines consume it regularly, with an average of 6.4 kilograms per person per year. In regions like the northeast, consumption can reach 10 kilograms annually per person, equivalent to multiple daily sessions. It's not uncommon for an Argentine to prepare a liter of mate a day, distributed in several brews. This habit is not addictive in the negative sense; the natural caffeine (mateine) provides a gentle stimulus, without the energy peaks of coffee. For Messi, who drinks it before training, it's a way to maintain focus during long days. However, experts recommend not exceeding 1 liter daily to avoid side effects like insomnia or acidity, although most Argentines consume it without issues. Health Benefits: More Than a Stimulant Science backs the devotion to mate. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, C, E) and minerals like potassium and magnesium, it offers multiple benefits. Studies show it reduces bad cholesterol, prevents cellular oxidation, and supports cardiovascular health. For athletes like Messi, it improves physical performance, increases energy, and reduces fatigue. Other benefits include weight control, as it suppresses appetite and accelerates metabolism; improves mental function, enhancing concentration; and anti-inflammatory effects that help with chronic diseases. A meta-analysis from the Mayo Clinic suggests possible protective effects against cancer, although more studies are needed. In Argentina, it is traditionally used as a digestive and diuretic. Curious Facts: The Surprises of Mate Mate is full of fascinating anecdotes. For example, in some Argentine service stations, free hot water for mate is offered, a service sponsored by producers. Another fact: Argentina consumes more mate than any other country, with an average of 100 liters per person per year. Curiously, mate was temporarily banned by the Church in the 16th century, considering it a "devil's drink" due to its indigenous origins, but the Jesuits rehabilitated it. In pop culture, figures like Pope Francis, also Argentine, drink it publicly, reinforcing its status. And an ecological fact: the yerba mate plant is native to the Paranaense rainforest, and its sustainable cultivation helps preserve biodiversity. In football, mate has been "guilty" of iconic moments: during the 2022 World Cup, De Paul shared on Instagram a photo with Messi and Papu Gómez mateando, symbolizing the team's unity. Mate as a Mirror of Argentina Lionel Messi, with his gourd in hand, embodies the spirit of mate: humble, resilient, and communal. In a world where football is a global business, this drink reminds us of the simple roots of an idol. For Argentina, mate is not just special; it is essential, a thread that weaves history, culture, and everyday life. As long as Messi continues sipping his favorite infusion, the world will discover a little more of Argentine magic. | ||||
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