Jose Mourinho defends Lionel Messi

Mourinho : "Leo Messi is a phenomenon "

At the end of the World Cup final won by Germany, the Argentinien international Lionel Messi, chosen as the best player of this World Cup, and was awarded by the Golden Ball. A reward that most people didn't agree on.

Diego Maradona had himself confessed that Lionel Messi didn't deserve the Golden Ball in this World Cup that has been given to the Blaugrana player: "I would give him the paradise (to Messi) if it was possible. But it is not normal that a player has won something because of a marketing plan. "

But for the portuguese coach, Jose Mourinho, Lionel Messi has been exceptional during this World Cup and he has explained his reasons on Yahoo Sports: "Messi has sacrificed for his team. He wanted to win at any circumstance. He didn't have in mind to finish top scorer or to win the golden boot or the Golden Ball. He wanted to mark history with Argentina.

This has forced him to move a lot during this World Cup and to play in areas that are not his specialty! I saw Messi playing very low, he had to face 2 or 3 opposing defensive lines . I have seen him far from his comfort zone , between the lines of defense , Messi seeks to create chances for his teammates to score. Di Maria's goal is the perfect example, he receives the ball very far from his usual area.

We cannot say that Messi was an attacker in this World Cup , or even that he was in support of the attacker because he was playing so low in the medfield in order to help his team to score. Argentina game plan did not allow him to play where he feels most at ease, which gives even more value to his performance at the World Cup. "

Mourinho continues by explaining that Messi remains a phenomenon: 'The national team, is not the same as the clubs where you have enough time to train and practice. In the national team, it is necessary to sacrifice. In clubs, the provisions tactics allow you to play according to your talent and your abilities. In the national team, you must agree to play a secondary role to help your team.

Leo, is just an example, Kuyt is the best example: one day he was in the right , one day left , one day he is attacking ,and another day he is replacing ... All, during this World Cup.

No one can deny his performance and role in helping Argentina to reach the final , he was there for his National team, he has nothing to prove to anyone, we all know the phenomenon that he is. "