Chapter 888: I No Longer Have a Chance, So Messi Won't Either

The day after the third-place match is the final game of this World Cup—the final between the national teams of Argentina and France.

The World Cup is now approaching its conclusion, yet the hype for this match remains undiminished.

Regarding the issue of the "defending champion curse," France's head coach Deschamps replied as follows: "I believe in my team, and I believe in myself. Since we were able to defeat the World Cup's biggest dark horse, we can also defeat Argentina. The defending champion curse does not apply to us."

Poor Chinese Team; they were actually dragged out to be whipped as a corpse again.

But there was no other way; deeply trapped in the curse, France urgently needed something to boost the confidence of both the team and the fans, and the Chinese Team was naturally the best choice.

Additionally, Dembélé also answered questions regarding the final.

This was the French forward's second time participating in a World Cup final; four years ago, Dembélé was merely a substitute player, truly a supporting character.

But by this World Cup, Osman had already become one of the key members of the French Team!

"Uh, our ability to defeat China in the semi-finals involved a certain element of luck, but I believe we performed quite well in all aspects. We possess the capability to advance."

"From start to finish, I have always believed that Tom is the most outstanding player in the world, and I very much hope he can advance."

Dembélé sighed: "But he was drawn in the same half of the bracket as me, so there was nothing to be done. I will say sorry to him."

"Speaking of Ty, it currently appears that Ty is qualified to compete for this World Cup's Golden Boot and Golden Ball; what is your view on this?"

"Oh..."

Dembélé frowned tightly, seemingly organizing the words he was about to say.

"Currently, it seems most likely that Tom will win the Golden Ball award; additionally, Kylian has also performed very well, so he has a chance too."

"What about Messi? As one of the players who advanced to the final, Leo holds a certain advantage in the Golden Ball award selection."

"Oh, I don't think so, haha."

Although he was a former Barcelona player, Dembélé did not seem to like Messi very much.

"If anyone can defeat Tom to win the World Cup Golden Ball, then I hope it is me."

Click-click!

"But looking at the statistics, I no longer have a chance; my goal count is too low, haha."

Dembélé looked at the reporters before him: "I no longer have a chance, so Leo won't have a chance either. The Golden Ball for this World Cup should belong to Tom; there is no controversy about this."

Dembélé's pre-match interview sparks controversy: I no longer have a chance to win the World Cup Golden Ball, so Messi won't have a chance either; I will help Tang Ye guard the World Cup Golden Ball, so Argentina must be eliminated.

No matter what, Dembélé had played for Barcelona; this statement was indeed somewhat inappropriate.

Analyzing it slightly, this guy Dembélé seemed to have completely tilted toward the Ty camp, which also meant he had to view Messi and C. Ronaldo as hostile targets.

After the interview video was released, Dembélé was quickly scolded, especially by some Barcelona fans, who directly pointed out Dembélé's identity as an "ingrate."

Since you were once a Barcelona player, how could you stand on the opposite side of Messi?

The fans cursed fiercely, but regrettably, Dembélé simply did not care.

He and Tang Ye are the same kind of people; both are those who have their own ideas in their heads, and when doing something, as long as they feel it is right, then it is right, completely disregarding what others say.

He was a former Barcelona player, but Dembélé identified more with his status as a Manchester United player.

His time at Barcelona was not particularly good; Dembélé knew exactly who had led him all the way to the Champions League final scene.

"Go, go!"

"What defending champion curse? That's all bullshit!"

The match was about to begin, and the French Team players were itching for action.

Dembélé sat in a corner, hugging his mobile phone.

【Osman: Believe in me.】

Ding!

【Tang Ye: Haha, you will win the championship, good luck.】

【Osman: No, no, what I mean is, I won't let Messi's goal count surpass yours.】

【Tang Ye:...】

【Tang Ye: That isn't necessary; winning the match is the key. It's best to be careful; I feel Argentina in the knockout stage is much stronger than in the group stage.】

【Osman: Say no more, just watch my moves.】

"Osman!"

Hernandez called out to Dembélé: "Damn, you're playing on your phone here during the World Cup final?"

"Is the pressure too great, so you're looking for your mom?"

"Haha!"

"Oh, Osman!"

"Hey!"

Dembélé stuffed his phone into his locker, stood up, and defended himself: "I didn't do anything."

The Sun front-page headline: With the World Cup final imminent, Ty is photographed meeting Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Dongqiu Di pinned post: Successful defense! France reverses Argentina 2:1 to win the World Cup championship again; Mbappé scores twice, Dembélé provides two assists and is selected as the final MVP. (Comment count 468,276)

Dembélé also made good on his word; with his top-tier wing passing, he completely restricted Argentina's defensive players, and throughout the entire match, Argentina's full-backs hardly had any opportunities to find Messi.

In a 90-minute match, Dembélé completely squandered his last shred of reputation from his time at Barcelona.

【Awesome, awesome; both sides played very well, but I still feel it's a pity; the final should have been us playing against France.】

【66666, Dembélé serves the country with supreme loyalty, only pledging allegiance to my Great Tang Wang Chao.】

【Truly f***ing awesome; I feel Dembélé can contend for second place in next year's Golden Ball.】

【So satisfying; tell me, whose is the World Cup Golden Ball award!】

【Wait, Enzo, are you eating shit? Can't you pass the ball to Messi? Even if you passed just one, it wouldn't have ended up being beaten like this, right?】

"Three, two, one!"

"France!!!!"

【2022 FIFA World Cup Champion: France】

"..."

"You seem to have always expressed great regret over eliminating China."

To this question, Dembélé spoke frankly, stating he would have preferred to face China in the final rather than some Argentina, showing not the slightest regard for Messi.

"Hmm... Tom and I have always had a fairly good relationship; many people should know this. I loved playing games, and I loved skipping training. During my time at Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona, I relied solely on talent to play football, achieved little, and couldn't even feel the sense of honor that comes with winning."

"However, after going to Manchester United, everything changed."

Speaking of Manchester United, Dembélé raised the Final MVP trophy in his hand, a smile on his face: "Manchester United changed everything. Tom brought me to where I am now; I've made it into the top five for the Ballon d'Or more than once. Uh, I've forgotten exactly how many times, but anyway, it was more than once."

"Tom gave me a lot of help in games, making my gaming skills stronger, but I believe the help he gave me in football was the greatest, bar none. Perhaps because of this, eliminating China makes me feel a bit uncomfortable; to be honest, I would rather have eliminated any other team... just not China."

From Dortmund to Barcelona and then to Manchester United, Dembélé's growth journey can truly be described as a prodigal son returning.

Just compare his post-match interviews from these different stages, and you will realize how much he has changed.

"But, haha, after the World Cup comes the club level; at the club level, there won't be such worries. Next year is the Club World Cup."

"Yes, next February," the reporter added.