Forget the doubters and the calendar! Ousmane Dembélé, fresh off a triumphant season with Paris Saint-Germain, has delivered a resounding verdict: Lionel Messi, even at 38, remains football's undisputed king and a clear threat to lift another World Cup. The French star's assessment sends a powerful message ahead of the upcoming tournament.
Key Points:
- Ousmane Dembélé unequivocally hails Lionel Messi as "the best I've ever seen."
- He dismisses age as a factor, firmly believing Messi can lead Argentina to another World Cup title.
- Dembélé acknowledges the immense pressure on France as perennial tournament favourites.
- He emphasizes Les Bleus' crucial need to focus entirely on navigating the group stage successfully.
Ageless Brilliance: Dembélé Crowns Messi 'The Best Ever'
In a candid interview with Marca, Ousmane Dembélé didn't mince words when discussing the reigning world champions and their legendary captain. He confidently stated that Messi possesses the unparalleled ability to secure "any trophy possible," a sentiment forged during their shared time at Barcelona.
For Dembélé, the passage of time since Messi's heroics in Qatar 2022 is irrelevant. He passionately declared, "That doesn't change a thing. He is the best I've ever seen, the best that has ever been seen in football." This unwavering belief underscores the profound impact Messi has had on his peers.
Defying Time: Messi's Enduring Threat
The notion of a 38-year-old Lionel Messi replicating his past glories might raise eyebrows for some, but not for Dembélé. He cautions against underestimating the maestro's enduring quality. "He remains incredibly dangerous. It's difficult to stop him even at 38," Dembélé explained, adding, "He might be that age, but he will always have those qualities. We will have to be careful with him because he is fully capable of winning it again."
This ringing endorsement from a current elite player serves as a stark warning to all contenders: write off Argentina and their talisman at your peril.
French Ambitions: Navigating the Gauntlet
While focused on Messi's brilliance, Dembélé is equally pragmatic about France's own daunting challenge. Les Bleus, having reached the last two World Cup finals, arrive under intense scrutiny. He understands that past achievements count for little once the whistle blows.
"There are plenty of favourites. You know how it is - that label doesn't mean anything in football anymore," Dembélé asserted. His primary concern, and that of the French squad, is ensuring absolute concentration. "Before thinking about the round of 16 or the quarter-finals, we have to navigate the group stage matches properly."
Les Bleus' Road and Albiceleste's Path
France kicks off their Group I campaign against Senegal on Tuesday, followed by clashes with Iraq on June 22 and Norway four days later. Meanwhile, Argentina, the defending champions, begin their Group J journey by facing Algeria on June 17. Messi's squad will then contend with Austria and Jordan in what promises to be a gruelling tournament for all participating heavyweights in this expanded format.
