India, June 12 -- Ousmane Dembele has backed former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi to lead Argentina to a successful title defence at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup. Messi, who is 38, will be featuring in his sixth World Cup. This will also probably be his last, and another title could make him the greatest-ever player in modern football.

Dembele, who is expected to be one of France's star performers, is fresh from helping PSG to their second-straight UCL title.

Speaking to Marca ahead of France's opener against Senegal, Dembele pointed out Messi's threat and the impact he has for Argentina on the field.

"Of course, he can win any trophy possible. I already saw what he could do during my time in Barcelona," he said.

"That doesn't ch...