Lionel Messi’s impending retirement might force Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho to do something he doesn’t particularly enjoy: watch MLS.
Messi announced his retirement from the Argentina national team on Monday, Aug. 31, ending an international career that spanned more than two decades.
Advertisement
The announcement meant that, from here on out, the only place fans will be able to watch the all-time great will be with Inter Miami.
Messi has been outstanding during his three-year stay with Inter Miami, becoming the first player to win consecutive MLS MVP awards (2024 and 2025) and leading the Herons to MLS Cup last year.
The Argentina captain led his side to the World Cup final this summer, where it fell just short of back-to-back titles in a 1-0 defeat to Spain.
Mourinho and Messi have done battle many times, perhaps most notably during the Portuguese manager’s previous stint in charge of Real Madrid. During that span, from 2010 to 2013, Messi was arguably hitting the peak of his club career with a legendary Barcelona team under Pep Guardiola.
Advertisement
Speaking at a news conference this week, Mourinho was quizzed on Messi’s legacy.
“There isn’t much more to say,” Mourinho said. “Words can’t really describe it. His quality as a player – even at this World Cup, reaching this level at 38 or 39 – is exactly what we’ve witnessed. He’s one of those players you’re going to miss.”
The legendary manager has coached all over Europe, but it seems that a future at the helm of a team in MLS is unlikely.
“We have to watch MLS games now, which isn’t something I like very much,” he added. “But we have to watch a few to make the most of these final years and seasons, just to see him play.”
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jose Mourinho takes dig at MLS discussing Messi’s Argentina retirement
