Lionel Messi has moved to dispel any suggestion of discord within the Argentina squad by gifting personalised presents to his team-mates following their 1-0 World Cup final defeat to Spain. The gifts were revealed by Kelci-Rose Bowers, the English partner of Argentina and Tottenham Hotspur defender Marcos Senesi, in a TikTok video.
Bowers, 22, showcased a caramel-coloured bag bearing her partner's name, the Argentina badge and the World Cup logo, alongside a golden Stanley Cup engraved with Messi's own logo and a separate cup. The items are believed to be intended for preparing mate, the popular South American drink. She said she had been tasked with keeping the luxury gift safe by Senesi, adding that it was "pretty cool that I've got it".
The revelation comes amid theories that a pre-match issue had unsettled Argentina during the final. Footage emerged of Messi telling his team-mates in the tunnel: "Come on, boys, let's forget what happened, as if nothing had happened." In the background, Lisandro Martinez and Enzo Fernandez appeared visibly upset, with Fernandez later sent off and Martinez forced off injured. Post-match brawls with opponents also hinted at underlying tension.
Bowers, originally from Fareham, Hampshire, and a former England under-21 player, has faced scrutiny for supporting Argentina during the tournament. She was present for Argentina's semi-final victory over England and celebrated with Senesi, before posting "Proud of my country" on Instagram. 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. But when your partner is playing in one of the biggest games of his career, naturally you want him to do well too."
Senesi, who moved to Spurs on a free transfer this summer, was a late addition to Argentina's World Cup squad after Leonardo Balerdi was ruled out through injury. Bowers, who met Senesi during her time at Bournemouth after returning from Louisiana State University, has been a visible supporter throughout the tournament.
