27 July 2026
Despite Argentina’s loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, Lionel Messi wanted to show his appreciation for his teammates with a kind gesture. Messi, who was likely playing in the final World Cup of his illustrious career, presented a personal gift to each of the 25 players on the squad as a token of thanks for their commitment throughout the tournament.
The partner of Argentine defender Marcos Senesi revealed some of the gifts the player received, including a custom backpack in the national team's colors, a Stanley water bottle, and a complete 'mate' preparation kit—a popular South American beverage.
This gesture reflects Messi’s leadership and his unwavering commitment to fostering strong bonds within the Argentina dressing room—a team that had dreamed of securing a fourth World Cup title, following their victories in 1978, 1986, and 2022.
Argentina lost 1–0 to Spain in extra time during the 2026 World Cup final, held last Sunday at MetLife Stadium in New York.
