'Nobody can steal Messi's legacy at Barcelona', says Fabregas

Questions have been made of Messi’s reputation in recent months, but Fabregas has vouched for his former Barcelona teammate.

Cesc Fabregas insists Lionel Messi’s legacy will never be tarnished, even if he leaves Barcelona next summer or at some other point in his future.

The six-time Ballon d’Or winner’s future has been under constant speculation since requesting a transfer from Barcelona in the summer. Despite the club keeping him, however, he is expected to have his way next year.

Messi, as of June 2021, will become a free agent once next summer’s transfer window is open. He’ll be free to discuss terms with clubs from January onwards and has shown no change of heart in his stance.

Manchester City are expected to make a move to sign Messi in January, reports The Sun ✍️

Barcelona are desperate for cash and could accept an offer as low as £50 million 💰 pic.twitter.com/igeW8hR9NR

— Goal (@goal) November 18, 2020

Quizzed on whether an exit could harm his former teammate’s legacy at Camp Nou, Fabregas told Catalunya Radio: “Not at all. Leo has been a big star and the fans know it. They will think, ‘Wow, he is leaving’.

“I think the day he leaves FCB – from the first minute – everyone will give a big value to all he has done during these seasons, nobody can steal that legacy from him. It is something that will remain forever.”

The AS Monaco midfielder continued: “It was a pity to see how people inside the club tried to hurt him, but in this sense, as a Catalan, I am grateful that he stayed at Barca.

Although Fabregas was quick to add that he knew nothing of Messi’s plans by saying: “I don’t know anything about his future next summer. Nothing.”