“Lionel Messi is the best player I’ve ever seen” — Dembélé warns France: “Leo can still win the World Cup” | OneFootball

Ousmane Dembele has warned France that Lionel Messi is still capable of winning the World Cup for Argentina.

France head into the 2026 tournament as one of the favourites, with Les Bleus seeking to reach a third consecutiveWorld Cup final.

Didier Deschamps' side are hoping to avenge their defeat to Argentina in the 2022 decider, an all-time classic that saw Messi star for the South Americans.

Messi scored twice during that final, a performance that saw him help Argentina to a third world title and earned him the World Cup's Golden Ball.

At 38, this summer's World Cup is set to be Messi's final tournament for Argentina. Dembele has warned France and rival sides that his former Barcelona teammate is still capable of deciding the tournament, even in the twilight of his record-breaking career.

“Lionel Messi is the best player I’ve ever seen," he toldMarca.

“He’s 38 but he’s still fantastic, dangerous… his quality never gets old. We have to be all very careful, Leo can still win the World Cup."

Dembele defends 'incredible' Mbappe as France target World Cup success

France's hopes are set to be led by Kylian Mbappe, who scored eight goals to win the Golden Boot at the 2022 World Cup.

Mbappe is just four goals from Miroslav Klose's all-time goal record at the World Cup, and Dembele admits the Real Madrid star is often unfairly criticised.

“There are too many critics towards Kylian," he said.

“Mbappé is incredible, a top player and a great guy out of the pitch. People should not be so aggressive against him. They criticise Kylian for anything he does. That’s way too much”.