Cesc Fabregas has praised Lionel Messi for remaining humble throughout his career.

The Barcelona and Argentina superstar could be excused for living in a fantasy world such is his standing in the modern game from what he has achieved but former teammate Fabregas has praised him for staying 'normal'.

"I admire Lionel Messi a lot, because after what he's done in football, after what he's achieved, what he is to every kid in the world, to nearly every grown up in the world who likes football, he kept it so humble," the Spain international and Chelsea midfielder said.

"The way he is, the way he treats everyone, the way he lives his life with his wife, with his kids, so normal.

"It's not easy. It's not easy these days when everyone talks so highly of you and you've won so much for so many years, that you are the best player in the world - sometimes you lose it a little bit and you are not in the real world. But he is very, very much.

"And I appreciate that because I consider him my friend and it's not easy and for me it's fantastic that someone like him can be the way he is."