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The Catalans have proven that they are the only side who can suitably take care of the Argentine, his former team-mate believes.

Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas insists Barcelona are "without doubt" the best club for Lionel Messi.

Fabregas and Messi played together for three seasons, when the Spaniard was with the La Liga giants from between 2011 and 2014.

And the 29-year-old has no doubt Barca are the only outfit capable of caring for Messi, who is now sidelined with a groin injury.

"Messi is the best in the world without any doubt," Fabregas told Cadena COPE.

"I think the club are the only club in the world who can take care of Messi. They have done so in recent years.

"They have always taken care of him. It's the best club for him."

Messi is expected to miss three weeks after suffering a groin injury in his side's LaLiga draw with Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.

And Fabregas revealed he had spoken to the Argentina star after the setback.

"Today I have not spoken to Messi. Yesterday, I asked him how he was and he was well. It's a pity," he said.

"He will recover soon."