Ousmane Dembele and Jules Kounde would be up against former Barcelona star Lionel Messi in the World Cup final.

Messi is still adored at the club following his exploits at Barcelona for nearly two decades.

Some Barcelona fans have said they’d support Messi to win the World Cup, as it’s the only thing left on his trophy list.

Dembele has reacted to that, and has also admitted that he as well deserves the trophy.

“Leo Messi deserves a World Cup, he’s had a great tournament and it is the trophy that he’s missing. But France deserves it too,” Ousmane Dembele has said, as quoted by TyC Sports.

“We shared four years together. He is an exceptional player and I have always said that he and Iniesta were the reasons why I fell in love with Barcelona.

“We will do everything possible that he touches the ball as little as possible and that he is not decisive. Messi playing well also depends on Julian Alvarez, the way he moves and how he opens the spaces.”