If you didn’t watch yesterday’s Argentina vs France FIFA World Cup finals, you definitely missed out on one of the greatest football matches ever. With Argentina winning their third world cup title, captain Lionel Messi once again proved and immortalised his position as the G.O.A.T ( Greatest of all time) football player. But did you know the football legend and the Argentinian team love this herbal drink, yerba so much that they carried 500 kg of this drink to Qatar? Here’s all about it.
What Is Yerba?
The secret ingredient behind the Argentina team and captain, Lionel Messi’s legendary victory can be attributed to the yerba. This is a herbal tea originating from South America. Made of the leaves and twigs of the Ilex paraguariensis plant, yerba is known to have the strength of coffee, the joy of chocolate and the soothing texture of tea. The green-coloured herbal drink is sipped from a metal glass with a metal straw.
What Are Its Benefits?
It’s known to have a host of health benefits like antioxidants, xanthines, caffeine, cholesterol-lowering properties, zinc, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and much more. Moreover, it’s known to improve one’s mental focus and enhance one’s physical performance. Yerba also prevents infections caused by bacteria and fungi. It also lowers blood sugar levels and the risk of heart disease.
Also Read: 6 Celebrities Who Headed To Qatar To Watch The FIFA World Cup Matches
It’s Like Water For The Argentina Football Team
According to The New York Times report, the Argentinian team’s delegation carried with them 500 kg of yerba all the way from Argentina to Qatar. With 75 people including teammates, coaches, and specialists, they didn’t want to face any shortage of yerba.
Also Read: 5 Reasons Why Coffee Lovers Must Drink Qahwa
Apart from Messi, even Argentina midfielder Alexis MacAllister revealed to The Times that he drinks yerba a lot and it brings the whole team together. Sebastian Driussi revealed to a publication, that the Argentina team drinks yerba like water. In the locker room, the whole team drinks it together before a game.
Well, now you know the secret ingredient behind the Argentina team’s astounding victory in the FIFA World Cup finals. We can’t wait to get our hands on yerba and sip the drink that made Messi the G.O.A.T that he is!
Cover Image Courtesy: leomessi/ Instagram and Wikimedia Commons