Real Madrid manager José Mourinho has described Lionel Messi as a defining figure of his generation following the former Argentina captain’s decision to retire from international football.
Messi, 39, ended his 21-year international career on 31 August, seven weeks after leading Argentina to a 1–0 defeat against Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Mourinho praised the Inter Miami forward’s longevity and impact on the global game.
“There are no words to describe his quality as a player,” Mourinho said. “With what he did at the World Cup, at 39 years old… He’s a player we’ll miss.
“We’ll have to watch some MLS games to enjoy his last years; I don’t know if it will be a season or seasons. He’s one of those players who, as I said the other day, you always miss. This player, for our generation, over these last two decades, we all know what he represents.”
Record-breaking international career
Messi leaves international football as Argentina’s most capped player and all-time leading goalscorer, with 125 goals in 207 appearances.
Having made his senior debut in 2005, the 2026 tournament in North America marked his sixth World Cup appearance.
During his international career, Messi captained Argentina to victory at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, alongside back-to-back Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024.
Although he has stepped away from the national team, Messi will continue playing at club level for Major League Soccer side Inter Miami.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) confirmed that domestic matches across the country this weekend will pause in the 10th minute for a minute’s applause in honour of the former captain’s iconic shirt number.
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