The time in Barcelona was not very happy. Most of the time was spent with injuries. However, despite this, Ousmane Dembele said that he learned a lot from Lionel Messi. He said that Messi showed him dreams and gave him advice. And Dembele wants to fulfill that dream shown by Messi, wants to win the Ballon d’Or.
Dembele joined Barcelona in 2017. He had a close relationship with Messi from the start. He played alongside the Argentine superstar for four seasons. Whenever he had problems on the field, he had the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi by his side. He was even allocated a locker next to Messi in the dressing room.
Dembele said this in an interview with FourForTwo. He said, “My relationship with Messi was very good from the first day. My locker was right next to his. He would give me a lot of advice on different issues. It was as if he understood what I wanted in advance. He said, if you want to fulfill your dreams, you have to be serious. From then on, I would watch his game and try to learn.”
Messi’s position, movement, and tactics on the field were all things Dembele had to learn. “Whether Messi played as a number ten or a number nine, his positioning on the field was extraordinary,” he said. “Sometimes he wouldn’t be seen on the field for four or five minutes. Then, when he suddenly got the ball, it was as if everything was written in his brain in advance.”
Dembele also highlighted Messi’s understanding with others in the team. He said, “It’s as if Messi knew in advance when Jordi Alba would step forward, when he would pass the ball. He understands football very well. He positions himself perfectly. And we all know what he can do when he has the ball.”
Dembele played 95 matches with Messi in four seasons at Barcelona. Even after Messi left for PSG in 2021, the memory is still very fresh. So when he was asked if he would one day tell his two-year-old daughter the story of playing with Messi? Dembele’s smiling answer — ‘I’ll tell her now!’
FAQ
What did Ousmane Dembele say about Lionel Messi?
Dembele said Messi inspired him, gave valuable advice, and showed him dreams that shaped his growth and ambition.
How long did Dembele play with Messi at Barcelona?
Dembele played alongside Messi for four seasons after joining Barcelona in 2017.
What specific things did Dembele learn from Messi?
He learned about positioning, movement, reading the game, and the importance of being serious in chasing his dreams.
Did Dembele share a close relationship with Messi?
Yes, their lockers were next to each other, and Messi often gave Dembele advice both on and off the field.
What dream does Dembele want to achieve after Messi’s influence?
Dembele aims to win the Ballon d’Or, inspired by Messi’s success and guidance.
