Lionel Messi has shattered any notion of disharmony in the Argentina squad by presenting his teammates with gifts following their 1-0 loss to Spain in the World Cup final. The revelation came from Kelci-Rose Bowers, the English partner of Argentina and Tottenham Hotspur defender Marcos Senesi.
Bowers, 22, a footballer herself, showcased the items on TikTok. The first was a caramel-coloured bag bearing her partner's name, the Argentina badge and the World Cup logo. She also displayed a golden Stanley Cup engraved with Messi's logo, alongside a separate cup. All items are believed to be used for mate, a popular South American drink.
Bowers said she had been entrusted by Senesi to keep the luxury gift "safe", adding it was "pretty cool that I've got it".
Pre-Match Theories and On-Field Tensions
Speculation about a potential rift in the Argentina camp arose after footage surfaced of Messi's unusual pre-match speech. He was captured saying: "Come on, boys, let's forget what happened, as if nothing had happened." Manchester United's Lisandro Martinez and Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez appeared visibly upset in the background. Fernandez was later sent off, while Martinez went off injured.
Post-match brawls involving Argentina players further fuelled theories of underlying anger. However, Messi's gifts suggest all is well within the squad.
Bowers' Dual Allegiance
Bowers, from Fareham, Hampshire, has previously played for England at under-21 level. In 2022 she posted a photo of herself in an England shirt with the caption: "Always an honour to wear this shirt." During the World Cup, she attended Argentina's semi-final victory over England, celebrating with Senesi after the match but later posting on Instagram: "Proud of my country."
She told The Times: "I grew up wearing an England shirt and had the privilege of representing England, so that connection will always be incredibly strong." She added that she would support Senesi personally while still feeling proud of England.
After playing for Louisiana State University in the US, Bowers returned to the UK, settling in Portsmouth and joining Bournemouth, where she met Senesi. She has since left the club. Senesi moved to Spurs on a free transfer this summer and was a late addition to Argentina's World Cup squad after Leonardo Balerdi was ruled out through injury.
