Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has reacted after Lionel Messi confirmed he is stepping away from international duty with Argentina, closing the book on one of football’s most celebrated national team careers.

The Barcelona icon broke the news himself through a heartfelt post on Instagram on Monday, telling fans that after weighing things over since his last outing for the Albiceleste, he had finally settled on walking away from the national side for good.

Mourinho wasted no time responding, dropping a comment directly beneath Messi’s announcement.

The Portuguese tactician praised the forward for what he called a remarkable and unforgettable journey in the colours of Argentina, acknowledging the weight of the decision.

He went further to note that upcoming tournaments, including the next Copa America and World Cup, simply won’t carry the same magic without Messi’s presence on the pitch.

The gesture from Mourinho, who has managed at the very top of European football for decades and crossed paths with Messi numerous times during their careers, adds to the wave of tributes expected to follow from across the footballing world in the coming days.

Messi’s international career has been defined by record-breaking numbers, major trophies, and moments that shaped the sport’s history, making his retirement a significant milestone regardless of club allegiances. Reactions from teammates, rivals, and football institutions are likely to continue pouring in as the news settles across the global football community.