Real Madrid head coach José Mourinho this week made use of the opportunity to make clear his massive appreciation for the talents of Barcelona icon Lionel Messi.
This of course comes amid a week which has seen the name of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner dominate the headlines across world football.
Following a tumultuous summer both on and off the pitch, culminating in the passing of his father just weeks on from defeat in the World Cup final, Lionel Messi publicly announced his retirement from international football.
Now 39, and with his status as a world champion long secured, the veteran attacker is ready to focus entirely on club football with Inter Miami moving forward.
And one individual who looks set to tune in to plenty of Inter’s upcoming MLS fixtures as a result is the aforementioned José Mourinho.
Speaking during a press conference late this week, Real Madrid boss Mourinho was drawn on Messi’s decision to pull the curtain on his international career. And the Portuguese provided a brilliant response, in explaining:
“It’s difficult to talk about Messi; there are no words for Leo. He’s one of those players you’ll miss. We need to watch MLS games to enjoy his last years, even if I don’t like them!”
Conor Laird – GSFN
