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Real Madrid News Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho sends heartfelt message to Lionel Messi after international retirement Jose Mourinho has paid tribute to Barcelona icon Lionel Messi after the Argentine superstar announced his retirement from international football, acknowledging the end of an era for the Albiceleste. Messi’s decision to bring his Argentina career to a close after more than two decades has triggered reactions from across the football world. Former teammates, opponents and managers have all recognised the significance of losing one of the greatest players in international football. Among them was Mourinho, who crossed paths with Messi on numerous occasions during his managerial career with Real Madrid, Chelsea and Inter Milan. The Portuguese coach responded to the message Messi published on Instagram, putting the historic rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona to one side to recognise the Argentine’s extraordinary contribution to his country. “Congratulations on a brilliant and unforgettable international career. The next Copa America and the next World Cup won’t be the same,” Mourinho wrote. Mourinho and Messi shared a defining football rivalry Mourinho’s history with Messi makes his reaction particularly noteworthy. During his time at Real Madrid, the Portuguese manager was involved in some of the most intense clashes of the Messi era. Barcelona and Real Madrid were competing at the highest level domestically and in Europe, with Messi frequently at the centre of those encounters. Their meetings stretched beyond Spain, too, with Mourinho also facing Barcelona’s iconic forward during his spells at Inter Milan and Chelsea. Despite that history, there was no trace of club rivalry in Mourinho’s response. Instead, he focused on Messi’s impact at the international level and what his absence will mean for Argentina’s future. A rare moment of respect beyond club rivalry Mourinho’s message is a reminder that some careers transcend the rivalries that define them. As a current and former Real Madrid manager, he knows better than most what it meant to prepare teams specifically to contain Messi. Yet Mourinho remained focused on the legacy the Argentine leaves behind. Real Madrid News Real Madrid open to 31-year-old star’s exit but expect no offers due to injury Real Madrid have not completely ruled out a late departure for Ferland Mendy, although the club do not expect an offer to arrive for the injured left-back before the transfer window closes. According to AS, Mendy remains one of the few players whose future has not been entirely settled, but his current physical condition makes a late transfer extremely difficult. Real Madrid are otherwise expected to finish the window without further activity. The club consider their squad complete after an ambitious summer of recruitment, while the lack of players willing to leave has also left little room for another move. Mendy’s situation is different, but not enough to suggest a transfer is imminent. Mendy’s injury record complicates potential exit The Frenchman’s recurring fitness problems have become a major concern during his time in Madrid. He has struggled to put together consecutive starts, with a succession of serious injuries repeatedly interrupting his progress. Many of those setbacks have required surgery, including his latest injury in May. Back then, Mendy suffered a ruptured tendon in his right rectus femoris muscle and underwent an operation that was initially expected to keep him sidelined for almost a year. The latest assessments are more encouraging, with the defender now expected to return towards the end of September. However, even that recovery timeline is still a major obstacle for any club considering a transfer. Real Madrid already have alternatives at left-back Mendy’s importance to the squad has also diminished following the arrival of additional options in the position. Marc Cucurella is currently Jose Mourinho’s preferred left-back, while Alvaro Carreras provides another option. That depth explains why Real Madrid were prepared to listen to offers for Mendy during the summer. However, the problem has been finding a realistic market for a player who is currently injured and has a lengthy history of fitness problems. Even with Mendy nearing his expected return, potential suitors would be taking on considerable risk.