Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho sends heartfelt message to Lionel Messi after international retirement | OneFootball

Jose Mourinho has paid tribute to Barcelona icon Lionel Messi after the Argentine superstar announced his retirement from international football, acknowledging the end of an era for the Albiceleste.

Messi’s decision to bring his Argentina career to a close after more than two decades has triggered reactions from across the football world. 

Former teammates, opponents and managers have all recognised the significance of losing one of the greatest players in international football.

Among them was Mourinho, who crossed paths with Messi on numerous occasions during his managerial career with Real Madrid, Chelsea and Inter Milan.

The Portuguese coach responded to the message Messi published on Instagram, putting the historic rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona to one side to recognise the Argentine’s extraordinary contribution to his country.

Mourinho’s response to Messi’s retirement post. (Source: Instagram)

“Congratulations on a brilliant and unforgettable international career. The next Copa America and the next World Cup won’t be the same,” Mourinho wrote.

Mourinho and Messi shared a defining football rivalry

Mourinho’s history with Messi makes his reaction particularly noteworthy.

During his time at Real Madrid, the Portuguese manager was involved in some of the most intense clashes of the Messi era. 

Barcelona and Real Madrid were competing at the highest level domestically and in Europe, with Messi frequently at the centre of those encounters.

Their meetings stretched beyond Spain, too, with Mourinho also facing Barcelona’s iconic forward during his spells at Inter Milan and Chelsea.

Mourinho has paid tribute to Messi’s international career. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Despite that history, there was no trace of club rivalry in Mourinho’s response. Instead, he focused on Messi’s impact at the international level and what his absence will mean for Argentina’s future.

A rare moment of respect beyond club rivalry

Mourinho’s message is a reminder that some careers transcend the rivalries that define them.

As a current and former Real Madrid manager, he knows better than most what it meant to prepare teams specifically to contain Messi. 

Yet Mourinho remained focused on the legacy the Argentine leaves behind.