Dembélé, the PSG player who won the title for best player in the world, congratulated the Argentine in his acceptance speech.
One of the highlights of the Paris gala was Ousmane Dembélé’s acknowledgement of Lionel Messi after earning the 2025 Ballon d’Or award.
The French striker, who achieved the zenith of his career by winning the UEFA Champions League with PSG and defeating Spaniard Lamine Yamal in the vote, thanked those who affected his professional growth while also celebrating his individual triumph.
During his on-stage statement, Dembélé emphasised the significance of his experience at FC Barcelona and the impact of players such as Andrés Iniesta and, most notably, Lionel Messi. ” I learnt while at Barcelona with great players like Andrés Iniesta and Lionel Messi. “That learning curve was exceptional,” the French striker said.
Messi’s response was swift. Hours after the ceremony, the Argentine star, from Miami , took to his Instagram account to publicly congratulate his former teammate. “Great Ous! Congratulations, I’m so happy for you. You deserve it,” Messi wrote in a comment that quickly went viral.
The bond between the two players was forged during Dembélé’s time at Barcelona, where they shared a dressing room in 95 official matches. In an interview with Four Four Two, the Frenchman acknowledged the impact Messi had on his career, highlighting the importance of his advice to his professional growth. “He 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,” Dembélé said.
In his acceptance speech, Dembélé himself recalled the difficult period he went through at the Catalan club, marked by muscle injuries and questions about his continued presence. “I’ve learnt a lot from my past mistakes, like the injuries at Barcelona. Now I’m more serious and focused, thanks to the advice of mentors like Messi. This Ballon d’Or is proof that perseverance pays off,” the forward expressed.
The PSG player also extended his gratitude to all the clubs he played for, mentioning Stade Rennes, Borussia Dortmund, and, in particular, Barcelona, which he defined as his dream club. “Thank you to all the clubs I’ve played for: Stade Rennes, Borussia Dortmund, and the club I always dreamed of playing for, Barcelona. I learnt a lot there, playing alongside players like Messi and Iniesta. It was a great learning experience. I’m very happy,” Dembélé said at the gala.
Dembélé ‘s resurgence at PSG under Luis Enrique has been remarkable. After overcoming a start to his career plagued by injuries and criticism, the forward achieved stability and prominence, winning titles such as Ligue 1 and the UEFA Champions League , culminating in him winning the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
The reunion between Dembélé and Messi had a special chapter on June 29, when PSG beat Inter Miami 4-0 in the round of 16 of the Club World Cup in Atlanta. After the match, both players were photographed together and the Frenchman shared the moment on his X profile, accompanied by a message: “ It’s great to see you again Leo, the best of all time…” I hope you continue making history with Inter Miami like in this Club World Cup.”
Dembélé also took home the shirt and boots Messi wore in that match and expressed his joy at being reunited with former teammates such as Jordi Alba , Luis Suárez , Sergio Busquets , Javier Mascherano, and even Pepe. “Very good, I’m glad to have seen Messi, Jordi Alba, Suárez, Busquets, Mascherano, and even Pepe, whom I know. It’s a pleasure to have found them again ,” he declared at a press conference.
