Jose Mourinho explains why Lionel Messi is the player who 'helped me grow most' as a manager - but reacts angrily to GOAT question

Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers ever to have graced the game and has come up against Mourinho many times during his career. The Argentine even made his first-team debut for Barcelona in a friendly against Mourinho's Porto all the way back in November 2003.

Mourinho had to try and find ways to stop Messi and Barcelona during his time as manager of Real Madrid in La Liga. He also came up against Messi in the Champions League in epic battles with Chelsea and Inter. Messi may have proven to be a fearsome opponent, but Mourinho admits he helped improve his managerial skills.

Mourinho was asked by Sporty Net to name the player who has helped him grow the most and replied: "Messi, because every time I played against him he forced me to think a lot.” 

However, the legendary boss then responded angrily when asked to share his thoughts on the GOAT debate: "I think it's unfair, and when I hear someone say it, I feel something I don't like. The younger generations know, but they don't know Pelé, Eusébio, or [Franz] Beckenbauer in depth, and then compare their football to today's and today's conditions... There are even some slightly comical details. 40 years ago, when it rained, the ball weighed 10 kilos, now it flies." 

Messi's move to the MLS with Inter Miami means the two icons of the game are unlikely to meet again on the pitch. Meanwhile, Mourinho is currently trying to secure a full Champions League campaign for 2025-26 with Fenerbahce. The Turkish side take on Benfica in the first-leg of their play-off tie on Wednesday.