Jose Mourinho is remembered for his pragmatic ways of playing football and his controversial speeches when making statements. The Portuguese manager has managed many great players throughout his career, but "Mou" believes the player who taught him the most was Lionel Messi.

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In an interview, Jose Mourinho didn't hesitate when answering which player taught him the most as a coach. "Mou" didn't choose Cristiano Ronaldo. Messi was the one who helped him become a better strategist.

"Messi... because every time I played against him, he forced me to think a lot," Jose Mourinho argued in this unexpected response.

Jose Mourinho had already given a similar answer in 2019. In an interview with EFE, Mourinho acknowledged that facing Lionel Messi motivated him to prepare much better for matches.

"He never played for my team, but I played against him and he's made me a better coach for having to prepare for matches, for having to organize my team," said the former Real Madrid player.

Mourinho's record against Messi

Jose Mourinho had to prepare several matches against Lionel Messi. The Portuguese coach faced the Argentine footballer during his time with Inter Milan and Real Madrid. Mourinho faced Messi in duels for the Champions League, La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Spanish Super Cup.

In 18 matches recorded, Jose Mourinho managed to secure victory on six occasions, drew five, and suffered the bitter taste of defeat in seven. In all of these matches, Lionel Messi scored eight goals. As a curious fact, the Argentine only scored a goal in one match and his team lost.