Ousmane Dembele chooses between Messi’s Barcelona and current PSG as best team he’s played for
Paris Saint-Germain have taken Europe by storm in the 2024–25 season, solidifying themselves as one of the continent’s most complete teams—despite lacking a traditional “superstar” figure. One of their standout players, Ousmane Dembele, was recently asked to name the best team he’s ever played for: Lionel Messi’s Barcelona or this current PSG squad.
While PSG remain dominant in Ligue 1, where they are perennial favorites, it’s their Champions League campaign that has truly exceeded expectations. After cruising past Stade Brestois with a 10–0 aggregate score, they stunned Liverpool in the Round of 16 and advanced on penalties following two intense legs.
In the quarterfinals, PSG overcame an early deficit to defeat Aston Villa 3–1 in the first leg, putting themselves in a strong position heading into the second leg in Birmingham. Ahead of the matchup, Dembele spoke at a press conference and delivered a surprising answer when asked whether this PSG team is the best he’s been part of:
“Yes, I’ve played for great teams—(Stade) Rennes was also a great team, I remember. I don’t know if it’s the best; I played for a Barca with Lionel Messi, the greatest player in history in my opinion, but PSG is one of the teams I’ve enjoyed the most,” Dembele stated.
Although his time at Barcelona was plagued by injuries, Dembele spoke fondly of his years in Spain and the opportunity to play alongside Messi. Now enjoying a career resurgence in France, he continues to hold his time with the Argentine legend in high regard.
Dembele matching Messi’s numbers at PSG
Dembele joined PSG from Barcelona in August 2023 for a €50 million fee. By the end of this season, he will have spent two full years in Paris—the same length of time Messi spent at the club. And statistically, Dembele is already on pace to match the Argentine’s production.
Messi made 75 appearances for PSG, scoring 32 goals and providing 35 assists while playing alongside Neymar and Kylian Mbappe. Dembele, with time still left in the current campaign, has already played 83 matches, netting 38 goals and registering 25 assists.
His red-hot form in 2025 has been a driving force behind PSG’s deep Champions League run. Since the start of the calendar year, Dembele has scored a stunning 24 goals in 21 matches. If this momentum continues, the French international could help PSG achieve what Messi couldn’t—bringing the UEFA Champions League trophy to Paris.