Lionel Messi believes talented Barcelona team-mate Ousmane Dembele is a “phenomenon” capable of ranking among the best players in the world.

The 21 year old Dembele, has scored seven goals in his second season in LaLiga and netted three times in four appearances prior to the mid-season break.

That excellent run of form stifled speculation over the France forward’s future, his place at Camp Nou having been called into question following a range of disciplinary issues.

Messi lauded the World Cup winner’s potential and insisted the club are committed to nurturing his development.”On the pitch Dembele is a phenomenon and it depends on him [how good he becomes],” the Barca captain told Marca.