Jose Mourinho has faced Lionel Messi many times throughout his career and admits the Argentina star has made him grow as a manager.

• Mourinho talks rivalry with Messi
• Also shares verdict on GOAT debate
• Fenerbahce boss in UCL action next

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers ever to have graced the game and has come up against Mourinho many times during his career. The Argentine even made his first-team debut for Barcelona in a friendly against Mourinho's Porto all the way back in November 2003.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Mourinho had to try and find ways to stop Messi and Barcelona during his time as manager of Real Madrid in La Liga. He also came up against Messi in the Champions League in epic battles with Chelsea and Inter. Messi may have proven to be a fearsome opponent, but Mourinho admits he helped improve his managerial skills.

• WHAT MOURINHO SAID

  Mourinho was asked by to name the player who has helped him grow the most and replied: "Messi, because every time I played against him he forced me to think a lot.” 

  However, the legendary boss then responded angrily when asked to share his thoughts on the GOAT debate: "I think it's unfair, and when I hear someone say it, I feel something I don't like. The younger generations know, but they don't know Pelé, Eusébio, or [Franz] Beckenbauer in depth, and then compare their football to today's and today's conditions… There are even some slightly comical details. 40 years ago, when it rained, the ball weighed 10 kilos, now it flies." 

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Messi's move to the MLS with Inter Miami means the two icons of the game are unlikely to meet again on the pitch. Meanwhile, Mourinho is currently trying to secure a full Champions League campaign for 2025-26 with Fenerbahce. The Turkish side take on Benfica in the first-leg of their play-off tie on Wednesday.

Tags: Futebol
Category: News