'The best football has ever seen' - Age isn't a problem for Lionel Messi as Ousmane Dembele insists icon can lead Argentina to World Cup glory again

French star Dembele assesses the contenders

Fresh from securing his second

PSG hero lauds evergreen Messi

Speaking to

When asked if the forward's four-year older status since Qatar would hinder his performances, Dembele confidently responding: "That doesn't change a thing. He is the best I've ever seen, the best that has ever been seen in football. He remains incredibly dangerous. It's difficult to stop him even at 38. He might be that age, but he will always have those qualities. We will have to be careful with him because he is fully capable of winning it again."

Scrutiny awaits French squad

Dembele is fully aware of the immense pressure resting on Les Bleus' shoulders as they prepare for another deep tournament run, emphasising the need for absolute concentration from his team-mates during the initial phase of the competition. He added: "There are plenty of favourites. You know how it is - that label doesn't mean anything in football anymore.

"There are many teams who are favourites in this tournament. Plus, we know that the French national team has reached the last two finals, so we will be a team under immense scrutiny. But we remain focused on the objective. Before thinking about the round of 16 or the quarter-finals, we have to navigate the group stage matches properly."

Heavyweights prepare for battles

Following an