“Messi is the Best Player Ever” — PSG’s Ousmane Dembélé Pays Glowing Tribute to Former Teammate

As Paris Saint-Germain prepare for a crucial UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg against Aston Villa on Tuesday night, French winger Ousmane Dembélé took a nostalgic moment to acknowledge someone who left an indelible mark on his football journey — Lionel Messi.

Dembélé, who shared the pitch with Messi during their time at Barcelona, didn’t hold back in his admiration for the Inter Miami superstar.

“I love playing for this PSG team, it’s a pleasure,” Dembélé said in his pre-match press conference, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano.
“Best team ever for me? I don’t know, as I also played at Barça with Messi who’s the best player ever.”

💭 Opinion: A Compliment That Echoes Beyond Rivalries

Dembélé’s words are more than just flattery — they echo the sentiment of an entire football generation. Despite playing for PSG, a club that has been on the opposite side of Messi's greatness more than once, Dembélé’s praise feels genuine and heartfelt.

Having watched Messi up close — the passes, the positioning, the goals, the leadership — Dembélé isn’t just repeating a cliché. He’s sharing insight as someone who trained, played, and learned under Messi’s wing.

🔥 Dembélé, the Star of PSG’s New Chapter

While he pays homage to the past, Dembélé is also creating his own legacy. Since joining Luis Enrique’s PSG project, the Frenchman has rediscovered form and flair, becoming a driving force as the Parisians chase European glory.

From dazzling runs to vital goals, Dembélé has grown into more than a winger — he’s now a leader in a PSG team that blends youth, experience, and ambition.

📌 What This Means Going Into Tuesday

PSG faces a stern test at Villa Park, and with Dembélé in top form, the French giants will be banking on his creativity and confidence to break through Unai Emery’s well-drilled side.

And perhaps, just perhaps, in the back of Dembélé’s mind, there’s a desire to bring the Champions League trophy to Paris — a prize Messi also chased but couldn’t quite bring home during his time at the club.

🗣️ Legacy acknowledges legacy. As Dembélé honors Messi, he’s quietly building his own story — and it’s one PSG fans are beginning to fall in love with.
#PSG #UCL #Messi #Dembélé