The Impact of Lionel Messi on the 2025 Ballon d'Or Race

Ousmane Dembele – PSG’s rising star, is progressing toward the 2025 Ballon d'Or title, supported by precious guidance from Lionel Messi.

Ousmane Dembele is currently one of the leading candidates for the 2025 Ballon d'Or award. After an outstanding season with 35 goals and playing a crucial role in helping PSG secure a domestic treble and the Champions League title, the French forward has demonstrated both talent and consistent performance. However, behind this success stands a "silent mentor" – Lionel Messi.

Since joining Barcelona from Borussia Dortmund in 2017, Dembele has shared a special bond with Messi. The French player revealed that from his earliest days at Camp Nou, he received invaluable advice from the Argentine superstar. Dembele’s locker was right next to Messi’s, and from there, he learned a great deal about the game from the legend.

In an interview with FourFourTwo magazine, Dembele said: “I had a very good relationship with Messi from day one. He knew exactly what I needed. Messi told me, ‘If you want to achieve your dream, you must be serious and give your all.’ Those words helped me a lot, and I learned so much from him about how to play football.”

Dembele also spoke about the unique aspects of Messi’s playing style: “Whether playing as a number 10 or number 9, Messi’s positioning ability is unmatched. Sometimes you don’t see him for 4-5 minutes, but the moment the ball reaches his feet, he instantly knows what to do.” Messi not only creates decisive passes but also understands perfectly when teammates like Jordi Alba will make runs, always appearing at the right time and place.

Although Dembele and Messi only played together at Barcelona for four seasons, with 95 appearances together, they built a remarkable relationship both on and off the pitch. When asked if he shares stories about playing with Messi with his daughter, Dembele smiled: “I’ve already told her!”

In the past season, Dembele had a breakthrough year with PSG, scoring 35 goals and playing a vital part in helping the team win a domestic treble and the Champions League. With such impressive form, he is full of hope to claim the Ballon d'Or this September.

Under Messi’s guidance, Dembele has reached a peak in his career. Messi’s advice and influence have not only enhanced his skills but also shaped him into an outstanding player ready to face major challenges ahead. The question remains whether Dembele can turn Messi’s mentorship into glory and stand atop the Ballon d'Or ceremony this coming September?

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