Argentine forward Lionel Messi is known for his regular consumption of mate tea, a traditional South American beverage made from yerba mate leaves [1].

The drink's association with one of the world's most famous athletes brings visibility to a beverage that is prized for its high nutritional value and caffeine content. As Messi prepares for the 2026 World Cup [4], the cultural and health aspects of the drink are seeing renewed interest globally.

Mate tea is produced by drying and crushing the leaves and branches of the yerba mate plant [2]. It is primarily grown and consumed in South American nations including Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay [5]. Due to its rich concentration of vitamins and minerals, the beverage is often referred to as a "drinkable salad" [1].

Beyond its health benefits, the drink is part of a larger global market. It is considered one of the three major beverages in the world, trailing only coffee and tea [1]. In Japan, the beverage has previously entered the commercial market, with Coca-Cola Japan releasing a bottled version in 2012 [3].

Drinking mate often involves specific cultural rituals. In South America, it is typically consumed using a small gourd and a specialized straw. For some high-profile enthusiasts, the equipment is a luxury; the specific straw used by Messi is reported to be a special edition valued at over 70,000 yen [6].

While the drink is used for energy and focus, health experts provide specific warnings. Consumption is recommended to be avoided by individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding due to a lack of sufficient safety data [1].

Junna Yamagata of TBS NEWS DIG said, "Mate tea is made by drying and crushing the leaves and branches of a plant called 'yerba mate' mainly produced in South America" [2].

“Mate tea is considered one of the three major beverages in the world, trailing only coffee and tea.”

The global rise of mate tea reflects a broader trend of integrating traditional regional wellness practices into the international health and sports markets. By linking a nutrient-dense beverage to the performance and lifestyle of an elite athlete like Lionel Messi, the drink transitions from a regional cultural staple to a global commodity.