Retirement: ‘Talking about Messi is complicated’ – Mourinho

Real Madrid's manager, Jose Mourinho, has stated that discussing Inter Miami star player Lionel Messi is a delicate matter. Mourinho made these remarks during a pre-match press conference prior to Real Madrid's LaLiga match against Real Betis on Friday. The conversation arose after the Argentine footballer announced his retirement from representing the Argentina national team. Earlier in the week, Messi publicly disclosed his decision to end his international career.

Mourinho acknowledged the complexity of the topic, stating, "Talking about Messi is complicated. There isn't much more to say; there are no words that can adequately describe his exceptional playing ability." The Real Madrid coach further noted Messi's continued remarkable performance, even at 39 years old. "Even now, at the World Cup at 39 years old, he’s shown us what he is capable of," Mourinho remarked.

The Portuguese manager also reflected on the emotional aspect of Messi's retirement. "Sometimes, there are players you are going to miss," he said. "We will have to watch some MLS matches to make the most of these last years or seasons, I don’t know, to see him because he is one of those players you always miss. In our generation, over the last two decades, we all know what he means."