Mourinho Pays Tribute To Messi After Retirement

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has paid tribute to Lionel Messi following the Argentine superstar’s retirement from international football, describing him as one of the greatest players of his generation.

Mourinho, speaking at a news conference on Thursday, praised Messi’s extraordinary career with Argentina and said the football world would miss watching the 39-year-old forward represent his country.

“There are no words to describe his quality as a player,” Mourinho said, reflecting on Messi’s performances at the 2026 World Cup.

The Portuguese coach said Messi’s display at the tournament, despite being 39, underlined the exceptional level he maintained throughout his career.

Mourinho also joked that fans would now have to watch Major League Soccer matches to continue enjoying Messi’s final years as a professional footballer.

He said Messi was one of those players whose absence would always be felt, especially by a generation that watched him dominate football for decades.

Messi announced his retirement from the Argentina national team on August 31, ending a career that began with his senior debut in 2005.

The decision followed Argentina’s appearance in the 2026 World Cup final, where the defending champions lost 1-0 to Spain. Messi captained Argentina during the tournament and finished with eight goals.

He retires as Argentina’s most-capped player and leading goalscorer, having made 207 appearances and scored 125 goals for the national team.

Messi’s international career included winning the 2021 and 2024 Copa America titles and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. He also finished as runner-up at the 2014 World Cup.

His decision marks the end of an era for Argentina, with the national team now preparing to move forward without its iconic captain and number 10.

Mourinho faced Messi on numerous occasions during his time at Real Madrid, when he regularly competed against Barcelona and its Argentine star.

Despite their rivalry, Mourinho’s latest comments highlighted his admiration for Messi’s achievements and influence.

Messi has not retired from club football and remains with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. Although Messi will no longer appear for Argentina, his club performances will continue attracting global attention across football worldwide.