2022 World Cup Final: Dembele Hails Messi’s Team Spirit, Addresses Argentina ‘Aggression’

Lionel Messi was praised as a “great player” by Ousmane Dembele, who said the Argentine was instrumental in making him fall in love with his current team, Barcelona.

Dembele played alongside Messi for four seasons after moving from Borussia Dortmund to Barcelona in 2017. The winger added that Les Bleus must monitor the Argentine captain’s movements if they want to win the World Cup for a second time in a row.

READ ALSO: World Cup 2022: Argentina Predicted Starting Lineup Against France Final Clash

Speaking to reporters ahead of 2022 World Cup final, Dembele said: “He’s an exceptional player, one of those who made me love Barcelona along with Iniesta. I spent four great years with him.

“He’s a normal guy in the dressing room, he helps young players. He gave me a lot. He’s difficult to control and we’ll have to do everything we can to make sure he touches the ball as little as possible.”

IN TWO PICTURES:

The Frenchman said in response to critiques of Argentina’s alleged on-field aggressiveness during the current World Cup: “They don’t, in my opinion, act maliciously. But in football, you must be active and prepared to strike back.

“We intend to respond to them and win the game. It’s going to be a great contest, in my opinion.”