Messi and Fabregas came through Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy and the pair became teammates in the club’s senior side following the latter’s move from Arsenal in the summer of 2011, winning one La Liga title together.
Fabregas has recalled some fond moments with Messi in their formative years in La Masia as he paid tribute to the six-time Ballon d’or winner.
"I will always remember the day you came to the dressing room at 13 years old and we were told an Argentine kid had come to try out," Fabregas wrote in a series of messages published on his Twitter account.
"You sat down and never said a word. The coach told me to go in strong in a one-on-one exercise against you, you looked so small that I thought I'd take the ball off you in a second."
"Silly me, you left me on the floor and from there I knew you were something special," he continued.
"My dream had always been to play in the Barca first team, but to do that with you and with Geri [Gerard Pique], that always made that dream a lot more special.
"In the end it came true and just for the fact that I felt like I did playing at false 9 alongside you and seeing the connection we had, that made it all worth it. You leave as the best player of all time. Barca will never be the same without you.
"Thank you for everything you have given and everything that you are, because behind that competitive animal there is a spectacular, humble, kind and generous person.
"I wish you, Anto, Thiagui, Matu and Ciro all the best. I am sure you will be happy wherever you go. I love you."
Messi could soon join Fabregas in France, with Paris Saint Germain expected to confirm his signing in the coming days.
