What Yerba Mate Does Messi Drink? His Surprising Favorite

When it comes to Lionel Messi, most people know his stats, trophies, and legendary left foot. But fewer know what fuels him off the field: yerba mate.

Messi, like much of the Argentine national team, is a devoted yerba mate drinker. And his go-to brand might surprise you.

Even though Messi is proudly Argentine, his favorite yerba mate brand is Canarias—a Uruguayan brand that’s actually grown in Brazil. That’s right: not Argentine-grown, not Uruguayan-grown, but Brazilian-grown and Uruguayan-produced.

Specifically, Messi prefers Canarias Serena, the version in the green packaging, which is known for being smoother and less intense than their classic blend. Other Argentine players have also been seen with Playadito, a popular Argentine brand—but Canarias seems to be Messi’s top choice.

• Smooth, consistent flavor

• Milder bitterness in the Serena blend

• Deep-rooted in fútbol culture, especially among Uruguayan and Argentine players

Hey, I’m Santiago—founder of Teko Yerba Mate.

I’ve been drinking yerba mate my whole life, and honestly? I like Canarias too. Personally, I go for the classic Canarias, which is stronger and more bitter. But I get why Messi likes the Serena—it’s smoother and a bit easier for everyday sipping.

And that’s exactly how we thought about Teko.

• If you like the lighter, more balanced experience of Canarias Serena, you’ll probably love Teko Balance. It's smooth, fruit-forward, and super easy to drink—even if you’re new to yerba mate.
• If you’re more into the stronger, bolder profile like I am, check out Teko Boost. It’s got the kick—plus a blend of powerful herbs like katuava, guaraná, açaí, and ginseng.

Messi’s mate is rooted in tradition. At Teko, we keep that spirit alive—with modern blends that fit your life.

You don’t need to be a World Cup winner to drink like one. Explore the Teko Yerba Mate lineup and find your match—whether you’re regular Canarias or team Serena.