PSG star praises former Barcelona teammate Messi as “the best player ever” while preparing for UEFA quarter-final showdown
PARIS, France – Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé has declared Lionel Messi the greatest footballer of all time as he prepares for PSG’s crucial UEFA Champions League quarter-final second-leg encounter with Aston Villa at Villa Park on Tuesday.
Speaking in a pre-match interview, the French winger reflected on his time at Barcelona, where he played alongside the Argentine icon, and offered high praise for Messi’s influence both on and off the pitch.
“I love playing for this PSG team, it’s a pleasure. Best team ever for me? I don’t know, as I also played at Barça with Messi who’s the best player ever,” Dembélé told reporters, as quoted by renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The statement underscores Dembélé’s admiration for Messi, now the captain of Inter Miami CF, and his status in the football world despite no longer playing in Europe.
Reuniting the Past and Present
While Dembélé has flourished at Paris Saint-Germain under Luis Enrique, it’s his time at Camp Nou that still resonates with him. The 26-year-old forward joined Barcelona in 2017 as a high-profile signing from Borussia Dortmund, during which time Messi was the club’s talisman and spiritual leader.
Their years together were marked by La Liga titles, domestic cup triumphs, and an on-field partnership that combined Messi’s vision and Dembélé’s explosive pace. Though Dembélé’s Barcelona stint was sometimes disrupted by injury, his admiration for Messi never waned.
Messi left Barcelona in 2021 amid financial turmoil, later joining PSG and now Inter Miami, but the legacy he left behind continues to influence players who shared the field with him.
A Career Renaissance in Paris
Now in his first season with PSG, Dembélé has enjoyed a rejuvenation of form and confidence. Having made the switch to Ligue 1 last summer, the French international has been a key figure in PSG’s title-winning campaign, playing a vital role in the club’s dominant run to the 2023–24 Ligue 1 championship.
Under the guidance of Luis Enrique, Dembélé has been deployed as both a winger and an attacking midfielder, allowing him the creative freedom to influence games in the final third. His agility, ball control, and ability to beat defenders one-on-one have made him a standout performer in the French capital.
In addition to his domestic success, Dembélé has also been instrumental in PSG’s European campaign, helping the club reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League—an achievement that fuels hopes of lifting the elusive trophy for the first time in the club’s history.
Focus Shifts to Aston Villa Showdown
As PSG prepare to face Aston Villa in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie, Dembélé remains focused on the challenge ahead. The French side heads into the match with a slight advantage following a 2-1 win in the first leg at Parc des Princes, where goals from Kylian Mbappé and Vitinha gave the Parisians a narrow edge.
However, Villa Park promises a different atmosphere, and Unai Emery’s men have shown this season that they are not to be underestimated—especially on home soil. The Premier League side will look to capitalize on their away goal and push PSG to the brink in front of their home supporters.
Dembélé, for his part, is expected to start on the right flank, where he will be tasked with creating chances and linking up with Mbappé and Randal Kolo Muani in attack.
Praise From the Football World
Dembélé’s comments about Messi come amid ongoing discussions about who truly deserves the “Greatest of All Time” title in football. While debates often include names like Cristiano Ronaldo, Pelé, and Diego Maradona, Messi’s recent triumph in leading Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title in Qatar has only strengthened his case.
Messi’s career accolades include seven Ballon d’Or awards, four Champions League titles, and ten La Liga championships. His ability to maintain top-level performance across three decades has earned admiration from current and former players, pundits, and fans around the globe.
Dembélé is just the latest in a long line of professionals to call Messi the best ever, and given their history together at one of the world’s most iconic clubs, his praise carries additional weight.
Eyes on European Glory
While the Messi conversation grabs headlines, Dembélé and PSG have their sights set on the present. The Paris club has long chased Champions League success, and this season may represent one of their best opportunities yet, especially with Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid also still in contention.
Luis Enrique, who previously managed Messi and Dembélé at Barcelona, has been building a cohesive and tactically versatile squad at PSG. His influence has helped the team move beyond the “Galácticos” phase and toward a more balanced, disciplined unit—qualities essential for European success.
Dembélé’s form, combined with Mbappé’s goal-scoring prowess and a solid midfield anchored by Warren Zaïre-Emery, gives PSG multiple avenues for success. However, they must first navigate a tricky away fixture in England before dreaming of the semi-finals.
Conclusion: Messi’s Shadow, Dembélé’s Moment
Ousmane Dembélé’s tribute to Messi highlights the lasting impact of football greatness, but it also sets the stage for his own moment of glory. With PSG’s season reaching its most crucial phase, Dembélé has the opportunity to not only shine on the continental stage but also cement his legacy in the process.
Whether or not PSG can finally capture the Champions League crown, Dembélé’s rise in Paris—and his enduring respect for Messi—adds a compelling narrative to this season’s European campaign.
