500kg Brought... Is This the Reason Behind Argentina's Victory?

Brazil and Uruguay also enjoy it... Messi, a big fan of Mate tea
Improves concentration and reflexes... Relieves stress and fatigue
Contains antioxidants and polyphenols... Provides energy without doping concerns

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Lee Gyehwa] On the 14th (Korean time), in the 2022 FIFA Qatar World Cup semifinal, Argentina defeated Croatia 3-0 and advanced to the final for the first time in 8 years. Argentina's captain Lionel Messi (35, Paris Saint-Germain) played brilliantly with 1 goal and 1 assist. Meanwhile, the New York Times (NYT) reported on the 13th (local time) that the 498 kg of tea leaves the Argentina team brought to Qatar became the driving force behind their victory.

NYT reported, "The tea leaves (yerba mate), which are the ingredient for brewing mate tea enjoyed in South America, were brought to Qatar by the Brazilian team with 26 pounds (12 kg), Uruguay with 530 pounds (240 kg), and Argentina with 1100 pounds (498 kg)." It added, "This amount was for the players, coaches, trainers, and staff who expected to reach the final to all drink together."

Messi, considered one of the greatest players in the history of world football, is also a huge fan of mate tea. NYT stated, "Almost all players, including Messi, drank mate tea," and "They were seen drinking it on the bus going to and from the stadium, as well as after the matches."

Yerba mate used to make mate tea. Photo by Yonhap News

Sebastian Driussi, a former Argentina youth national team player, said, "It's like water to us. Everyone always drinks this in the locker room," and added, "Mate tea in Argentina is about building friendship."

According to the Spanish news agency 'EFE,' 282.8 million kg of yerba mate was consumed in Argentina last year. Juan Jose Chichowski, director of the National Yerba Mate Research Institute, said, "Drinking mate tea in Argentina is more than just a habit," and "When guests come, it is always served, and it is also good for health."

Carrying a sack full of yerba mate in northern Argentina. Photo by Yonhap News

Mate tea is known to improve concentration and reflexes while relieving stress and fatigue. NYT noted, "Yerba mate contains polyphenols with antioxidant properties that have a positive effect on health," and added, "For players, it also provides energy and has the advantage of being free from doping concerns."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.