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José Mourinho has shared his immense joy over Lionel Messi finally achieving World Cup glory, completing his extraordinary career collection with the one major trophy that had previously eluded him. The Argentina captain guided his team to triumph in Qatar in 2022, and now eyes further success in North America, with Lionel Scaloni’s squad again tipped to go far in the tournament.

Messi’s long-awaited World Cup victory came four years ago, when he led Argentina to an unforgettable triumph, scoring seven goals and winning the Golden Ball award for his outstanding performances.

Reflecting on that achievement, Mourinho told Adebayo Akinfenwa on the Beast Mode On Podcast: “The Messi World Cup [in 2022]… believe in the Football Gods, because the man couldn’t have the career he’s had without winning it. You feel that something greater made sure he got to win a World Cup.”

‘Sorry England’ – Mourinho recalls his favourite World Cup moments

Mourinho also reminisced about some of his most cherished memories from past World Cups, recalling Diego Maradona’s brilliance in Mexico 1986 and Brazil’s fearsome attacking trio of Ronaldo, Rivaldo, and Ronaldinho dominating in 2002.

“I have so many memories from the World Cups that make you say ‘wow’. It sounds a bit crazy but Mexico 1970, I was seven years old and I remember watching the final with my father. I remember the feeling vividly – Brazil’s Carlos Alberto scoring the final goal, Pele’s sublime assist – I can still see it clearly even now.”

He continued, “Since then, many memories followed. I was a Maradona guy. Sorry England. Again in Mexico, what Maradona did – both good and bad – was incredible. The goal against Belgium, the goal against England, not the handball, of course – it was unbelievable. I was also a big fan of Ronaldo Nazario, Rivaldo, and Ronaldinho when they played together for Brazil. I remember every detail of what we Portuguese did too; we were so close, but that’s football.”

International challenge awaits Mourinho

Having managed elite clubs like Chelsea, Real Madrid, Inter Milan, and Manchester United during his nearly 30-year career, Mourinho has yet to step into the role of a national team coach. However, he admits that one day he intends to embrace that challenge.

When asked whether he would like to manage a national team in the future, Mourinho responded: “My natural environment is club football – training every day, playing three times a week, being with the players, working with them, understanding them, fighting with them, hugging them, kissing them, sometimes even kicking them! That’s my world. But when I see the emotions of the World Cup or even the Euros, it’s something I want to experience. One day, I will do it.”

Mourinho appeared on the Beast Mode On Podcast as part of his collaboration with Coca-Cola, where the ‘Jose vs Mourinho’ project features two AI versions of the legendary coach debating World Cup topics daily throughout the tournament.