Argentine superstar Lionel Messi has taken to social media on Saturday evening, to send a direct message to former teammate Cesc Fabregas.
This comes, for those who may have missed it, after midfielder Fabregas announced his decision to bring an end to his glittering playing career.
In a post on his official Twitter account, the former Spanish international unveiled a lengthy post, confirming that this past season marked his last, albeit with Fabregas now in line to take up a coaching position in Italy with Como:
“It is with great sadness that the time has come for me to hang up my playing boots.”
“From my first days at Barca, Arsenal, Barca again, Chelsea, Monaco and Como, I will treasure them all.
“From lifting the World Cup, the Euros, to winning everything in England and Spain and nearly all the European trophies, it has been a journey that I’ll never forget.”
“This charming football team won my heart from the first minute and came to me at the perfect time in my career. I will grab it with both hands.
“So after 20 incredible years full of sacrifice, dedication and joy, it’s time to say thank you and goodbye to the beautiful game.”
It is with great sadness that the time has come for me to hang up my playing boots.
From my first days at Barca, Arsenal, Barca again, Chelsea, Monaco and Como, I will treasure them all.
From lifting the World Cup, the Euros, to winning everything in England and Spain and… pic.twitter.com/Wuwj04WanB— Cesc Fàbregas Soler (@cesc4official) July 1, 2023
Fabregas’ announcement has since been met with an inevitable wave of well-wishes, from fans, players and pundits the world over.
And, as alluded to above, one such high-profile message was forthcoming by way of none other than Lionel Messi.
Fabregas and Messi are of course former teammates, having enjoyed fruitful stints alongside one another at both youth and senior level in Spain with Barcelona.
In turn, the latter was understandably keen to pass a message on to Fabregas this evening.
Taking to Instagram, alongside a photo of the pair together during their Barca days, Messi wrote:
‘You already know all the good we think of you and your family, @cescf4bregas. You’re a crack and we’ll continue to spend many moments together, we love you a lot and wish you all the best in your new stage friend!!! Huge hug’
📲| Lionel Messi on instagram. pic.twitter.com/TzUzZmSD1b
— Barça Buzz (@Barca_Buzz) July 1, 2023
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