José Mourinho has paid tribute to Lionel Messi following the Argentina captain's decision to retire from international football, describing his career with the national team as brilliant and unforgettable.
The Real Madrid manager sent a short message to Messi, acknowledging the impact the forward has had on international football and warning that Argentina's next major tournaments will feel different without him.
“Congratulations on a brilliant and unforgettable international career.”
Mourinho then highlighted the significance of Messi's absence from future international competitions.
“The next Copa América and the next World Cup won’t be the same.”
Messi Leaves Argentina With a Historic Legacy
Messi's decision brings an end to one of the most decorated international careers in football history.
After years of near misses with Argentina, the forward finally lifted the major trophies that had eluded him, winning the Copa América and FIFA World Cup before adding further international silverware.
His success also transformed the conversation surrounding his Argentina career, turning years of disappointment into a period of sustained triumph.
Mourinho's message reflects the scale of that contribution.
Whatever Argentina's next generation achieves, the national team will now have to move forward without the player who wore the No. 10 shirt for so many years.
For a country that has built much of its recent football identity around Messi, replacing his influence will be one of Argentina's biggest challenges.