Ousmane Dembele blown away by message former Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi sent him after winning Ballon d’Or

PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN star Ousmane Dembele revealed he received a message from Lionel Messi congratulating him for winning the Ballon d’Or.

Dembele, 28, was awarded with the esteemed honour after a stunning campaign that saw him lead PSG to four trophies with a total of 35 goals and 16 assists in 53 appearances.

The forward received a raft of congratulatory messages after his triumph in Paris, that saw him beat Lamine Yamal by a controversial margin.

But one stood out for the France international as Messi, 38, got in touch with him soon after he was named the best male player of the year.

Messi, who has won the Ballon d’Or a record eight times, played with Dembele at Barcelona for four years until the former’s departure in 2021.

The Inter Miami superstar wasn’t the only Barca legend who contacted the Frenchman as Luis Suarez and his former manager Xavi messaged him as well.

Dembele told France Football: “A message that particularly struck me? It was Lionel Messi. He sent me a direct message.

“There was Xavi Hernandez. A lot of [former Barcelona players]. Luis Suarez… They were happy.”

And of course a great deal of PSG stars as well as officials spoke to Dembele after the Ballon d’Or ceremony.

The winger added: “Those from PSG? I had them by message. Achraf [Hakimi], the coach [Luis Enrique], [strategic advisor]Luis Campos, all that.” 

Messi also congratulated Dembele on social media with a heartfelt message.

The Argentina captain insisted the ex-Borussia Dortmund star deserved the award.

Messi posted: “Grande Ous !!! Congratulations, I’m so happy for you. You deserve it.”