Mourinho says football will ‘miss’ Lionel Messi as Julian Alvarez remains key for Atletico Madrid

Jose Mourinho says football will greatly miss Lionel Messi after the Argentina captain announced his retirement from international football, while he believes Julian Alvarez will remain an important player for Atletico Madrid until at least the end of the year.

Messi, who is 38 or 39 according to Mourinho’s comments, confirmed on Monday that he would no longer represent Argentina and would instead focus on playing for Inter Miami.

Speaking before Real Madrid’s La Liga meeting with Real Betis, Mourinho described Messi as an exceptional player and said the football world would have to watch Major League Soccer to enjoy the final years of his career.

“Talking about Messi is complicated, and there is not much to say. There are no words to describe his quality as a player. Even now, at the World Cup at the age of 38 or 39, he showed us what he is capable of,” Mourinho said.

“Sometimes there are players you miss. We will have to watch some Major League Soccer matches, and that is not something I particularly enjoy, but we have to watch some of them to enjoy these final years or seasons of his, because he is one of those players you always miss.”

Mourinho added: “In our generation, and over the past two decades, we all know what Messi means to football.”

Messi’s decision brings an end to his Argentina career, which included winning the 2022 World Cup. His next competitive appearances will come for Inter Miami, according to the source article.

Alvarez expected to stay important for Atletico

Mourinho was also asked about Alvarez, who has reportedly wanted to leave Atletico Madrid during the transfer window and move to Barcelona.

The Atletico hierarchy rejected that possibility. The club would welcome his departure to a destination outside La Liga, but have made clear he will not leave for Barcelona.

Mourinho said Atletico manager Diego Simeone was best placed to assess the situation.

“No one knows him better than Diego Simeone, the manager of Atletico Madrid, and no one knows the club better than Simeone. I do not see that I have anything to say about this situation,” he said.

“What I always say is that when a player is unhappy, by 1 September he must either be happy or not play until 1 January.”

He continued: “Therefore, my feeling is that from yesterday until at least 31 December, he will be an important player for his team.”

Mourinho’s comments came as Real Madrid prepared to face Real Betis at La Cartuja on Friday in the opening fixture of the fourth round of La Liga.

Real Madrid have made a strong start to the season, beating Espanyol, Real Sociedad and Malaga in their opening three matches. They have collected nine points, the same total as Barcelona, although Barcelona currently lead the standings on goal difference.

Mourinho warned that Real Madrid would need to perform at their highest level to maintain that run against Real Betis.

“Real Madrid need to be at their best, otherwise they will not win. Betis are a very good team, and Real Madrid’s recent results there say a lot. It is difficult to win at their stadium, and to do that you have to be at your best. There is no other way,” he said.