Messi exit will change football forever, says Mourinho

The Chelsea boss says the 27-year-old has been central to Barcelona's success and that there will be a sea change in Europe when he eventually moves on

European football will change forever when Lionel Messi leaves Barcelona, according to Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho.

The Argentine has been key to the Catalans' success over the last decade, helping them to three Champions Leagues and six Liga titles among numerous other trophies.

Mourinho, who beat Pep Guardiola's Barca to the Primera Division crown with Real Madrid in 2012, feels that the 27-year-old was the central figure in the Camp Nou club's success.

"In 10 years' time, without Lionel Messi, the map of European football is going to change," he told talkSPORT.

"What Barcelona have won in the last few years was with Frank Rijkaard, Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique as coach, but it's always with Messi."

Chelsea were linked with a move for Messi, who was said to be considering his future earlier in the season, but Mourinho was quick to dismiss the reports.