Real Madrid manager Mourinho has applauded Lionel Messi as indescribable following the announcement of the end of his international career with Argentina.
Mourinho, during his pre-match conference on Wednesday, admitted that Messi will be missed by the football world and not only in Argentina.
Mourinho did not have an opportunity to coach Messi, but they faced each other during the Argentine superstar’s spell at Barcelona.
Messi, during his stint at Barcelona, played against teams coached by Mourinho - Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Chelsea.
MOURINHO SINGS MESSI PRAISE
The football community continues to pay tribute to Messi since he announced his decision to draw the curtain on his Argentina career on Monday.
Mourinho is the latest prominent figure to hail the 39-year-old, who scored 125 goals and provided 68 assists in 207 matches for Argentina during a 21-year career.
“Messi's international retirement? It's hard to talk about Messi, there aren't really words to describe his quality,” Mourinho said.
“Like I said in the last press conference, he's one of those players that you miss when he retires.
Everyone has seen what he has achieved in the last 2 decades."
Meanwhile, the Argentina Football Association has announced plans to pay tribute to Messi by stopping all games across every division in the country in the 10th minute.
The tribute will involve all men’s and women’s games in Argentina, and it will be followed by a round of applause to recognise the legacy of the retired Argentina captain.
MESSI’S ARGENTINA CAREER BY THE NUMBERS
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner won four titles with Argentina senior national team which include the 2022 FIFA World Cup and two Copa America.
He made his national team debut in 2025 after his memorable outing at the FIFA U20 World Cup where he was named the Best Player.
Messi played in six consecutive World Cups with 34 appearances and 21 goals in the competition.
In total, he scored 125 goals with 68 assists in 207 international games for Argentina.
