What is mate tea? The drink that Messi, Suarez, Griezmann and England footballers love

Some of the world’s best footballers are fans of the drink, but what is it? Goal takes a look at the South American tea and how to make it

Elite professional athletes are always looking to improve their performance, and even the smallest changes to their lifestyle, training and diet can make a difference.

In recent years, more and more footballers have started drinking mate – a drink that Pope Francis is a fan of – and the trend has spread across the Atlantic from South America to Europe.

The drink has a host of health benefits, but making and enjoying it is also a social event for those who partake.

What is mate tea?

Mate (pronounced mah-teh) is a traditional South American, caffeine-rich beverage made from dried and chopped yerba mate leaves.

The fruit has a bitter taste and is particularly popular in countries such as Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil, as well as Syria and Lebanon.

Sometimes called chimarrao in Portuguese or cimarron in Spanish, the drink originated with the indigenous Guarani and Tupi people of South America.

It is often shared at gatherings with friends, with people often sharing a glass.

Although usually served, mate tea can also be served as iced tea.

As it is a traditional South American drink, it is no surprise to learn that stars from countries such as Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay regularly drink mate.

Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi is perhaps the most famous player to enjoy the drink, with the Barcelona forward regularly appearing on social media drinking it.

Messi’s Barça teammate Luis Suarez is also a Mate fan, as is the Argentine’s compatriot Sergio Aguero.