Ahead of Sunday’s World Cup final, Jose Mourinho has dismissed suggestions that Lionel Messi can be considered the greatest player of all time.
The former Real Madrid coach came up against Messi on a regular basis in Spain and he has huge respect for the little forward, irrespective of the result at the Maracana.
But Mourinho says on a personal level he would not consider Messi as the greatest player to grace the game.
“I think he is a fantastic player,” said Yahoo’s Global Football Ambassador. “He doesn’t need to win the World Cup to be considered a fantastic player.
“He doesn’t need to win the World Cup to be considered a historical player, in this decade.
“But for me, he is not the greatest of all time.”
Mourinho also analysed Sunday’s World Cup final between Germany and Argentina in Rio.
The Chelsea boss picked out Germany’s midfield as an obvious strength, but said Argentina can compete, especially with an “outstanding” Javier Mascherano.