Ousmane Dembele has backed former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi to lead Argentina to a successful title defence at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup. Messi, who is 38, will be featuring in his sixth World Cup. This will also probably be his last, and another title could make him the greatest-ever player in modern football.
Lionel Messi will feature in his sixth World Cup. (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)
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Dembele, who is expected to be one of France's star performers, is fresh from helping PSG to their second-straight UCL title.
‘Of course, he can win any trophy possible’: Ousmane Dembele
Speaking to Marca ahead of France's opener against Senegal, Dembele pointed out Messi's threat and the impact he has for Argentina on the field.
"Of course, he can win any trophy possible. I already saw what he could do during my time in Barcelona," he said.
"That doesn't change a thing. He is the best I've ever seen, the best that has ever been seen in football. He remains incredibly dangerous. It's difficult to stop him even at 38. He might be that age, but he will always have those qualities. We will have to be careful with him because he is fully capable of winning it again," he added.
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France is also one of the favourites, having failed to defend their 2018 title in 2022, where they lost to Argentina in the final. "There are plenty of favourites. You know how it is - that label doesn't mean anything in football anymore," Dembele said.
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France is also one of the favourites, having failed to defend their 2018 title in 2022, where they lost to Argentina in the final. "There are plenty of favourites. You know how it is - that label doesn't mean anything in football anymore," Dembele said.
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"There are many teams who are favourites in this tournament. Plus, we know that the French national team has reached the last two finals, so we will be a team under immense scrutiny. But we remain focused on the objective. Before thinking about the round of 16 or the quarter-finals, we have to navigate the group stage matches properly," he added.
After their game against Senegal, France will face Iraq on June 22, before taking on Norway four days later. On the other hand, Argentina open their campaign on June 17, taking on Group J opponents Algeria, before facing Austria and Jordan.
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results.
A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.
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Home/Sports/Football/‘Lionel Messi fully capable of winning it again’: Dembele issues huge warning to FIFA World Cup 2026 title contenders
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