Lionel Messi is one of the best players in the world, while Jose Mourinho is one of the best coaches. Although he was once on the Barcelona coaching staff, this Portuguese mastermind later stood in the dugout in charge of Messi’s opponent’s team. And that has played a role in Mourinho becoming a better coach. Although the debate about the best footballer of all time makes the former Real Madrid coach feel bad.
Not only for the Spanish giants, Mourinho has coached Messi against FC Porto, Chelsea and Inter Milan. Although he has seen more duels with the Barcelona superstar while he was the coach of Real Madrid. In a recent interview with sports YouTube channel Sportinet, Mourinho said that the challenge of stopping Messi on the field has helped him improve his coaching skills.
Mourinho was asked which player has played the most in improving his coaching skills. In response, the 62-year-old coach said, “Messi, because every time I played against him, he made me think more every time.” Mourinho first got Messi as an opponent while he was the coach of Portuguese club FC Porto in November 2023. Then, standing in Real’s dugout, he had to do the most calculations in the El Clasico match against Barcelona.
Since the subject of Messi was raised, naturally the debate about the greatest footballer of all time came up. When the subject was raised in front of Mourinho, he expressed his annoyance and said, “I think it’s unfair and whenever I hear someone talk about it, I don’t like it. The younger generation knows the issues, but they don’t know the depth of Pele-Eusebio or Beckenbauer. The football and the atmosphere of the game at that time will in no way match the current situation.”
The coach of the Turkish club Fenerbahce, who is currently the coach of the Turkish club, explained that comparing footballers of different generations can be frustrating, saying, “The football of their time is not the same as today’s football. 40 years ago, when it rained, the weight of the ball would be 10 kg. And now the ball flies around like a whirlwind.”
Leaving European football, Messi is now a star of the American Major League Soccer (MLS). Although he still shows flashes for Inter Miami, it is needless to say that there is no full-fledged competition. On the other hand, Mourinho is also in Europe, but at a lesser-known club. He is aiming to take Turkish club Fenerbahce to the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League. Mourinho’s team will play the first leg of the play-offs with Portuguese club Benfica on Wednesday. On the other hand, Messi has a dream of winning the MLS title for the first time with Miami!
FAQ
What did Jose Mourinho say about Lionel Messi?
Mourinho stated that facing Messi as an opponent helped him improve as a coach, making him think more strategically in matches.
When did Mourinho first face Messi as an opponent?
Mourinho first faced Messi in November 2023 while coaching FC Porto and later frequently encountered him during his time at Real Madrid.
How did coaching against Messi influence Mourinho’s tactics?
Dealing with Messi challenged Mourinho to adapt his strategies, improve defensive planning, and rethink in-game decisions, enhancing his overall coaching approach.
What is Mourinho’s current coaching position?
As of 2025, Mourinho is the head coach of Turkish club Fenerbahce, aiming to lead them into the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League.
