Lionel Messi and Cesc Fabregas enjoy the Spanish sunshine with their family in Formentera

Even though it’s been three seasons since they played together, Cesc Fabregas and Lionel Messi are still the best of friends.

 Despite ongoing rumours about their respective club careers, Lionel Messi and Cesc Fabregas were content on their hols

Both players’ football seasons are over, so they are now having their summer breaks before next month’s pre-season starts.

Messi, the star player for Barcelona, and Fabregas, the midfielder for Chelsea, have chosen to spend some of that time together in the Balearic islands off the coast of Spain.

 The two former Barcelona team-mates have travelled to the island of Formentera with their partners and children

With their children by their sides, the two were seen enjoying the Spanish sun on Thursday in Formentera.

Messi, his long-term partner Antonella Roccuzzo, and their oldest son Thiago went for a walk on the beach after dipping their toes in the water.

 Lionel Messi and Cesc Fabregas are unwinding after contrasting seasons with their clubs

Another group close behind them was Fabregas, his long-term partner Daniella Semaan, and their oldest daughter Lia.

After that, Fabregas moved to Chelsea in the summer of 2014, but Messi is still at Barcelona.

 The former Barca team-mates' budding bromance is continuing on their Spanish holiday

There has been talk about the latter’s future because of an ongoing contract disagreement, but someone who knows Messi well thinks he will stay at the Nou Camp for the rest of his illustrious career.

The 29-year-old player hasn’t signed a new term with the club yet, even though his current deal is about to end.

 Cesc Fabregas has had an up and down season at Chelsea - could he move to pursue first-team football?

But Ferran Soriano, the CEO of Manchester City, is sure that Messi will stay with Barcelona for a while longer and doesn’t think he will ever come to the Etihad.

The Chinese news outlet Xinhua asked him about Messi joining City, and he said: ‘No. I don’t believe that. It’s easy for me to call Messi. I’m friendly with him and his family.

 Lionel Messi then decided to dip his toes in the cool waters of the Balearic island

“I believe he has made Barcelona his home and has lived there his whole life.” Obviously, we think he will finish his career in Barcelona.

“At least he might be able to finish that job next year.” He could go to China or the US after that, but I think he will stay in Barcelona for now.

Lionel Messi and Cesc Fabregas holiday together in Spain | Daily Mail Online

He worked for Barcelona from 2003 to 2008, which is when Messi became one of the best players in the world.

Since City became one of the richest teams in the world, Messi has been linked with a move there for a long time.