Mourinho Says He’ll Tune Into MLS to Catch Messi’s Final Pro Years

During his press conference ahead of Real Madrid’s match against Real Betis on Thursday, Jose Mourinho was asked about Lionel Messi’s decision to step away from the Argentina national team. The Portuguese manager, who has confronted Messi across several leagues throughout his career, offered unfiltered thoughts on what the Argentine’s departure from international football signifies for the sport.

“Talking about Messi is complicated,” Mourinho remarked. “There’s little more to add, and no words can truly capture his quality as a player. He entered this World Cup at 38 or 39 and delivered the performances we all witnessed. He’s a player you will miss.”

With Messi now retired from international duty, Mourinho indicated he will start watching Inter Miami’s MLS matches to savor the Argentine’s remaining professional years.

“We’ll have to watch some MLS games, which isn’t something I particularly enjoy, to make the most of these final years,” he continued. “He’s a player you always miss, as I’ve said before, and he’s one of the great figures of our generation.”

Messi announced his retirement from the Albiceleste on August 31, concluding a 21‑year international career that featured a runner‑up finish at the 2026 World Cup, the 2022 World Cup triumph, and multiple Copa America victories.

Mourinho’s admission that he will tune in to Major League Soccer to continue watching Messi adds to the chorus of tributes from rivals and peers across the sport following his retirement from the national team.

How many times have Messi and Mourinho faced each other?

Beyond Thursday’s remarks, Mourinho and Messi forged one of modern football’s most celebrated rivalries, meeting 25 times across Mourinho’s tenures at Real Madrid, Chelsea and Inter Milan. Overall, Messi’s sides triumphed in nine of those encounters, while Mourinho’s teams won seven, with the remaining matches ending in draws.

The bulk of their rivalry unfolded during Mourinho’s three‑year spell at Real Madrid, where they faced each other 17 times – Messi featured in every match. In those encounters, Mourinho secured five victories, suffered six defeats, and the teams shared six draws.

They also crossed paths four times while Mourinho was at Inter Milan and another four times during his stint at Chelsea, frequent battles that Mourinho has credited with helping him develop as a manager.

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