Ousmane Dembélé hails ex-Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi as an “exceptional player” ahead of the final.

He went on to state that the Argentine made him fall in love with the club alongside Andres Iniesta.

The Frenchman joined Barcelona in 2017 following a massive transfer worth $125 million.

Playing alongside La Pulga (the flea) for four seasons, Dembélé suggested that Le Bleus need to keep constant tabs on the player in order to lift the trophy a second time.

Speaking to reporters, he 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.”

Argentina was criticized as “aggressive” in the ongoing World Cup campaign. Following questions about the criticism, Dembélé stated, “I don’t think they do it out of malice. But in football you have to be aggressive, you have to be ready to hit back.

We’re hoping to counter them and have a good game. I think it’s going to be a very good match.”

France has a chance of defending its champion status by winning back-to-back World Cups. Only Brazil can boast of a record like this.

But it seems it won’t be easily handed to them by La Albiceleste and Lionel Messi.

He’s looking at another chance of lifting the trophy for the first time in his career. Following a heartbreak 8 years ago in Brazil, this is the last chance the Argentine forward has.