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Ritabrata Banerjee

Ousmane Dembele reveals Lionel Messi message 'really struck' PSG star as former team-mates and coach reach out to congratulate Ballon d'Or winner

Ousmane Dembele revealed that Lionel Messi's 'direct message' after Ballon d'Or win 'really struck' him as the Frenchman claimed that his former Barcelona colleagues and coach congratulated him. Dembele beat Blaugrana sensation Lamine Yamal to win the Golden Ball earlier this week after starring for PSG in the 2024-25 campaign, where the French giants won the treble.

  • Dembele and PSG's historic 2024-25 campaign

    The 2024-25 campaign proved to be the most memorable season in the club's history as Paris Saint-Germain won the Champions League for the first time and also bagged the treble. They also won the UEFA Super Cup last month, beating Tottenham in penalties, while their only disappointment came in the Club World Cup final, where they went down against Chelsea. Dembele played a key role in Luis Enrique's side's success as he contributed with 35 goals and 16 assists in 53 matches across all competitions. For an excellent campaign with the French giants, Dembele was rightfully awarded the Ballon d'Or.   

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    Messi's message 'really struck' Dembele

    Speaking to France Football, Dembele revealed that he got a direct message from ex-Barcelona team-mate Messi, as he said: "A message that particularly struck me? It was Lionel Messi. He sent me a direct message. There was Xavi Hernandez (his former coach at FC Barcelona). A lot of (former Barça players). Luis Suarez... they were happy. Those from PSG? I had them by message. Achraf (Hakimi), the coach, Luis Campos, all that."  

  • Messi shared a congratulatory message on social media

    The Inter Miami star also shared a heartfelt social media post for Dembele after his triumph in Paris, as the Argentine wrote on Instagram: "Grande Ous !!! Congratulations, I’m so happy for you. You deserve it."   

  • Ousmane Dembele Lamine YamalGetty

    Dembele was a clear winner in Ballon d'Or race

    Before the ceremony on Monday, many believed that the race for the Golden Ball would be a close contest between Dembele and Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, who played a key role in the club winning three domestic titles but when the voting results came out, it was revealed that Dembele finished more than 300 points clear of Yamal.