Since winning the World Cup, all attention has focused on the Argentina team and their famous players. Accordingly, what they eat, what they drink, who cooks for them, who their family is,… all their moves are watched by fans. 

In particular, people also discovered that “legendary” Messi (also known as M10) often carries a drink stored in a uniquely shaped glass. Many people also say that it is a miracle drug that helps M10 and the Tango players play great football at this year’s World Cup. But what exactly is that drink?

 

Close-up of Yerba Maté herbal tea, stored in a cloth bag

It is a type of herbal tea that is familiar and popular with people in South America, although Vietnamese and Eastern people in particular may be unfamiliar with the name. Messi’s favorite mysterious herbal tea is called Yerba Maté, with a unique flavor that is hard to forget and is especially good for the physical health of football players. Drinking Maté tea not only helps players stay alert when playing football but also improves their mood and increases vitamins B and C, which are good for the immune system.

 

Just soak the tea in hot water and then use a special straw with a filter underneath to filter the tea leaves

Yerba Maté tea is grown and used the most in the countries of Uruguay, Paraguay, Brazil, and especially Messi’s hometown of Argentina is where it is consumed the most. Maté tea is a caffeine-rich hot drink made from dried and chopped yerba leaves. Although it is also called tea, the taste of Yerba Maté is considered to be extremely strong, like the taste of soil, not of grass. Its characteristic bitter taste is not something everyone can drink, it can even be said to be difficult to drink, not to the taste of Asian or European countries. However, the Argentinian superstar often holds a cup of tea and drinks it deliciously like a Vietnamese holding a cup of tea in the hot summer sky.

 

 

Favorite drink of South American players

Not only considered a drink, in South American countries, people in general and football players also see this tea as a favorite “accessory”. One can see a player getting off the bus or walking around in public holding a pot of tea. For example, Luis Suarez, Sergio Aguero and Neymar are also fans of Maté tea.

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