Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has joined Lionel Messi in enjoying mate, a traditional South American drink popular among footballers. Haaland recently shared pictures of himself drinking the infusion on social media, thanking the Argentine players who introduced him to it.

“Thanks for introducing me to this great drink,” Haaland wrote, acknowledging Argentine footballers Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez and Geronimo Rulli.

Mate, a drink deeply rooted in the culture of Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay, is also a familiar part of Messi’s routine. The infusion has attracted attention not just for its popularity among footballers but also for its antioxidant content and potential health benefits.

What is mate, the drink enjoyed by Messi and Haaland?

Mate is prepared using the dried leaves and stems of yerba mate, a plant belonging to the holly family. Traditionally, the leaves are placed in a small gourd, hot water is added, and the drink is sipped through a metal straw known as a bombilla.

The infusion holds a special place in Argentina, where it is widely consumed and regarded as a national drink. It is also associated with the mythology of the Guarani, an Indigenous people of South America. According to their traditional stories, the plant was a gift from a god to humankind, earning mate the nickname “drink of the gods”.

Messi, one of the most recognisable devotees of the drink, has helped make mate familiar to football fans around the world. Haaland’s recent post offers another glimpse into how the South American tradition has reached players beyond the region.

Can mate improve health?

Mate contains antioxidants, including polyphenols and chlorogenic acid. These compounds may help combat oxidative stress, a process associated with cell damage.

The drink also contains caffeine and theobromine, which can temporarily reduce drowsiness and improve alertness. However, the effects can vary depending on a person's sensitivity to caffeine and the amount consumed.

Researchers have also examined whether mate could help lower blood pressure and cholesterol.

A 2025 study published in the journal Molecular Nutrition & Food Research followed 52 adults who consumed mate three times a day for eight weeks. Researchers reported declines in blood pressure and some inflammation-related markers.

Among participants who had normal cholesterol levels, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), commonly known as bad cholesterol, also decreased.

However, the results were less conclusive among participants with high cholesterol. Similar improvements were observed in this group when they consumed a control beverage, meaning further research is needed to establish mate’s effects more clearly.

Does mate have any side effects?

Despite its potential benefits, mate is not free of risks. Its caffeine content means excessive consumption can cause problems, particularly for people who are sensitive to stimulants.

Possible effects include insomnia, heart palpitations and anxiety. People who regularly drink coffee, energy drinks or other caffeinated beverages should also consider their total caffeine intake.

While mate is a traditional drink with a long cultural history, the available research does not establish that it can prevent or treat health conditions. Its possible benefits need to be considered alongside its caffeine content and the limitations of existing studies.