Paris Saint-Germain star Ousmane Dembélé believes that Lionel Messi played a significant role in making him a better footballer and putting him on the cusp of winning the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
Messi and Dembélé played together for nearly three years at Barcelona, and the French star confirms that Messi never failed to offer him the necessary advice that had a positive impact on him.
Dembélé told the media, “I’ve always had a great relationship with Messi. From day one, my locker was next to his, and he gave me a lot of advice. He was someone who knew what I needed. For me, he’s the greatest. He’s a player who inspires me.”
He added, “Messi told me to be serious if I wanted to achieve my dreams. After that, I started watching and learning from what he did on the pitch.”
He continued, “His positioning is exceptional, and the way he spreads out on the pitch is amazing. Sometimes you don’t see him for four or five minutes, and then as soon as the ball arrives, he instinctively knows what to do. Messi knew when Jordi would step forward to pass to him. He understands football incredibly well and puts himself in perfect positions on the pitch. We all know what he creates with his feet.”
Dembélé led Paris Saint-Germain to a historic treble and their first Champions League title last season. He is currently competing with Lamine Yamal for the Ballon d’Or, and the 28-year-old still has a better chance than the Barcelona star.
