Lionel Messi had Jose Mourinho ‘having nightmare’: Real Madrid manager’s admission from El Clasico battle vs Barcelona

Sami Khedira recalled how meetings that were supposed to focus on Barcelona would quickly turn into lengthy discussions about Messi.

Updated on: Aug 12, 2026, 13:38:17 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

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Lionel Messi had several memorable battles against Real Madrid, producing some iconic moments along the way. From his brilliant solo goal in the Champions League after receiving the ball from Sergio Busquets to his dramatic late winner at the Santiago Bernabeu, Messi repeatedly stunned the home crowd. His shirtless celebration in front of the Madrid fans remains one of the most unforgettable images from El Clasico history. The Argentine made life extremely difficult for Real Madrid players and managers alike. Even one of their greatest managers, Jose Mourinho, admitted the challenge of preparing for Messi was so demanding that the Argentine gave him 'nightmares.'

Head coach Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that Lionel Messi will begin the final group-stage match vs Jordan on the bench. (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)

Messi’s presence was such a major concern for Real Madrid that their preparations often revolved around finding a way to contain him. Sami Khedira recalled how meetings that were supposed to focus on Barcelona would quickly turn into lengthy discussions about Messi, with Mourinho constantly adjusting his tactics and personnel to try to stop the Argentine.

“Preparing for the games was so funny because we spoke for two minutes about Barcelona.

“And then it was 40 minutes about Lionel Messi. He prepared every single detail. He changed some players, sometimes Pepe played as a No. 6, then Sergio Ramos. The most important thing was, ‘How can we stop Lionel Messi?’” Khedira said on Messi's Netflix documentary.

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‘What can we do to stop Lionel Messi?’

Mourinho himself admitted in his documentary just how difficult it was to prepare for Messi during his Real Madrid days. The Portuguese manager revealed that stopping the Argentine became a major focus, forcing him to find a different approach rather than trying to match Barcelona at their own game.

Mourinho added: “I was having a nightmare. ‘What can we do to stop him?’ From the first [El Clasico] game, I knew that we couldn’t be better than them doing the same as they do. To beat them, we had to be different both on and off the pitch. We were football enemies in the sense we fought for the same cup, the same league, the same Champions League. I think it was a good thing.”

Messi also left his mark on Real Madrid like few others, finishing his Barcelona career with 26 goals in 45 official appearances against the Spanish giants. That remains the highest tally scored by any player against the Los Blancos in football history.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

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