India, Sept. 1 -- Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho put the fierce club rivalry aside to congratulate Barcelona great Lionel Messi following his retirement from international football. During his first spell at Real Madrid, Mourinho had to devise specific plans to counter Messi, who went on to become Barcelona's all-time leading goalscorer and one of the greatest players in the history of the game.

Messi made 207 appearances for Argentina and retired as the country's all-time leading scorer with 125 goals, including 21 at the World Cup. His international journey was a roller-coaster ride, filled with heartbreaks and setbacks before he finally got his hands on the biggest prizes. Winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup and multiple Copa America t...