Chapter 888: I

The day after the third-place match was the final of this World Cup—Argentina versus France.

The World Cup has reached its conclusion, yet the hype for this match remains just as intense.

Regarding the “champion’s curse,” France’s head coach Deschamps replied: “I believe in my team, and I believe in myself. If we can defeat the biggest underdog in the World Cup, we can defeat Argentina too. The champion’s curse does not apply to us.”

Poor China’s team was dragged out for public shaming.

But there was nothing to be done; trapped in the curse, France urgently needed something to boost team and fan confidence—and China was naturally the best target.

Additionally, Dembélé answered questions about the final.

This was the French forward’s second World Cup final; four years ago, Dembélé was merely a substitute, a true supporting player.

But in this World Cup, Ousmane had become one of France’s key players!

“Um, we beat China in the semifinals with some luck, but I think we performed quite well in all aspects. We had the ability to advance.”

“I’ve always believed Tom is the best player in the world, and I really hope he advances.”

Dembélé sighed: “But he’s in the same half-bracket as me, so there’s nothing I can do. I’ll say sorry to him.”

“Speaking of TY, it seems TY is eligible to compete for the Golden Boot and Golden Ball this World Cup. What’s your view?”

“Oh…”

Dembélé frowned, as if organizing his next words.

“At this point, Tom has the highest chance of winning the Golden Ball. Kylian has also done very well—he has a chance too.”

“What about Messi? As one of the finalists, Leo has some advantage in the Golden Ball voting.”

“Oh, I don’t think so, haha.”

Though a former Barcelona player, Dembélé didn’t seem to like Messi much.

“If anyone can beat Tom and win the World Cup Golden Ball, I hope it’s me.”

Click-click!

“But statistically, I’ve already lost my chance—I’ve scored too few goals, haha.”

Dembélé looked at the reporter in front of him: “I’ve already lost my chance, so Leo won’t have a chance either. This World Cup’s Golden Ball belongs to Tom—there’s no debate.”

…

Dembélé’s pre-match interview sparks controversy: I’ve already lost my chance at the World Cup Golden Ball, so Messi won’t have a chance either; I’ll protect Tom’s Golden Ball, so Argentina must be eliminated.

Dembélé had played for Barcelona, yet this statement was truly inappropriate.

A slight analysis reveals Dembélé has fully aligned himself with TY’s camp, meaning he must now treat Messi and CR7 as rivals.

After the interview video surfaced, Dembélé was quickly criticized, especially by Barcelona fans, who directly labeled him a “traitor.”

You were once a Barcelona player—how can you stand against Messi?

Fans raged fiercely, but unfortunately, Dembélé didn’t care at all.

He and Tang Ye are the same kind—people who think for themselves; if they believe something is right, it’s right, regardless of what others say.

He was once a Barcelona player, but Dembélé identifies more strongly as a Manchester United player.

His time at Barcelona wasn’t good—he knew who had brought him all the way to the Champions League final.

“Come on, come on!”

“What champion’s curse? That’s all nonsense!”

The match was about to begin; France’s players were restless.

Dembélé sat in the corner, holding his phone.

【Ousmane: Believe me.】

Ding!

【Tang Ye: Haha, you’ll win the title, go for it.】

【Ousmane: No no, what I mean is, I won’t let Messi score more than you.】

【Tang Ye: …】

【Tang Ye: That’s unnecessary—winning the match is what matters. Be careful though; Argentina in the knockout stage seems much stronger than in the group stage.】

【Ousmane: Say nothing more—just watch me.】

“Ousmane!”

Hernandez called out to Dembélé: “Damn, you’re playing in a World Cup final and still on your phone?”

“Nervous? Calling Mom?”

“Haha!”

“Oh, Ousmane!”

“Hey!”

Dembélé shoved his phone into the locker and stood up to defend himself: “I didn’t do anything.”

…

The Sun front page headline: With the World Cup final approaching, TY spotted meeting Saudi Crown Prince Salman.

Dongqiu Di top post: Champion retained! France 2-1 come-from-behind win over Argentina, Mbappé scores twice, Dembélé provides two assists, named Man of the Match. (Comments: 468,276)

Dembélé delivered as promised, using his elite wing crossing to completely neutralize Argentina’s defenders; throughout the match, Argentina’s fullbacks had almost no chance to find Messi.

In a 90-minute match, Dembélé burned the last of his reputation from Barcelona.

【Amazing, both sides played well, but I still feel sorry—it should’ve been us vs. France in the final】

【66666, Dembélé is loyal to his country, serving only the Great Tang Dynasty】

【Real C, feels like Dembélé could finish second in next year’s Ballon d’Or】

【Satisfied—tell me who won the World Cup Golden Ball!】

【What the hell, Enzo, are you eating shit? Can’t you even pass to Messi? Even one pass would’ve helped avoid this disaster】

“3, 2, 1!”

“France!!!!!!”

【2022 FIFA World Cup Champion: France】

“…”

“You’ve always seemed very regretful about eliminating China.”

Dembélé answered frankly: he’d have preferred to face China in the final, not Argentina—showing no regard for Messi at all.

“Hmm… I’ve always had a decent relationship with Tom—many people know this. I like gaming, I like skipping training. Back at Dortmund and Barcelona, I relied purely on talent, showed little, and even then I felt no pride in winning.”

“But after joining Manchester United, everything changed.”

Speaking of Manchester United, Dembélé raised his Man of the Match trophy, smiling: “Manchester United changed everything. Tom brought me to where I am today—I’ve entered the top five for the Ballon d’Or more than once. Uh, how many times exactly? I forgot, but more than once.”

“Tom helped me a lot in gaming—I got better at it—but I believe his greatest help was in football, without question. Maybe that’s why eliminating China felt uncomfortable. Honestly, I’d rather eliminate any other team… just not China.”

From Dortmund to Barcelona to Manchester United, Dembélé’s journey truly deserves the term “prodigal son.”

His transformation is so profound—compare his post-match interviews across these phases and you’ll feel it.

“But, haha, after the World Cup comes club football—no such worries there. Next year is the Club World Cup.”

“Yes, next February,” the reporter added.