Mourinho's reaction to Messi's retirement from the Argentine national team

"He was the player who made me think the most every time I faced him". This phrase from the Portuguese coach could well sum up a story of rivalry and, above all, of respect: something that undoubtedly says a lot, and says it well, about two contenders who face each other.

Jose Mourinho's reaction to Messi's message in which he said goodbye to the Argentina national team was this: a concise and unpretentious text, but one that largely sums up all the great and good that the Albiceleste star has given to the king of sports.

Congratulations on a brilliant and unforgettable international career. The next Copa América and the next World Cup will not be the same , wrote Jose Mourinho on Instagram, one more, in this case, among those who took to social media to thank, bid farewell to, and recognize Messi's time with his national team.

Messi and Mourinho faced each other a total of 25 times , each in his respective role as player and manager. The record is split into nine victories for the Argentine and seven defeats for the Portuguese, with the remaining matches (9) ending in draws.