The former Manchester United boss was a rival of the legendary striker during his time in Spain, but his admiration for his old foe was clear after the masterclass against Liverpool.
Lionel Messi and Jose Mourinho may have been rivals in the past, but the outspoken coach couldn’t help but express his admiration for the superstar after his Champions League performance against Liverpool.
The pair achieved major honors during the Portuguese manager’s time at Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, with the forward drafted by Barcelona. But tensions between the old rivals were nowhere to be seen as Mourinho waxed lyrical about his former nemesis in 2019, calling him the “god of football”.
The admiration of the former Chelsea and Manchester United boss was clear after Messi put Liverpool to the sword in the Champions League semi-final. The Reds’ famous second-leg comeback went down in history, but the diminutive inspired his side to an unlikely 3-0 win in the first leg. Despite Jürgen Klopp’s side dominating possession at the Camp Nou, the ruthlessness of the Blaugrana attack was relentless throughout the night. The Merseysiders had 53 per cent possession in the first leg, but the La Liga giants were undeterred by their lack of control.
According to Mourinho, the surprise result after a match where Barca were largely on the back foot was down to the talisman Messi. The then Barcelona captain joined the scorers with a sublime free kick from 35 yards.
Reflecting on Messi’s impact on the game, the current AS Roma manager told Russia Today: “Liverpool were bold in their approach. I think many Champions League teams have beaten Barcelona in the Champions League in the last 20 years.
“The God of football made it completely different. Of course (Barco) is a good team, phenomenal players, but this player is absolutely incredible.”
Mourinho added to his analysis of why Liverpool couldn’t get the gloves on their opponents despite dominating possession, adding: “Liverpool deserved a lot more than a 3-0 defeat, but in the last two corners of the game it could have been 4-0 or 5 -0.
“[It’s] because the game broke down and then they didn’t survive. The question is what will happen to Barcelona if Messi decides to say goodbye.”
“Fabinho and even (Roberto) Firmino look small (for a free kick), but they are not small. Firmino is the last, but on this side the goalkeeper gave one meter to the cross to cover the situation and there is no stopping.”
The former Old Trafford boss also praised former Kop hero Luis Suarez, who also scored a strike of his own on a memorable night. Mourinho added: “Luis Suarez’s move (for the first goal) is phenomenal.”
