Messi's message to Abidal: You're an example to me and I hope to see you soon

The Blaugrana forward and a number of his team-mates have contributed to a book aimed at keeping the defender's spirits up as he embarks on the long road to recovery



The France international is facing an uncertain future in the game after being forced to go under the knife last month, but his Blaugrana team-mates have moved to keep his spirits up by expressing their love and admiration for him in a book put together by France 2.



"Just to say that you're an example for me," Messi wrote. "Great strength [to you] and I hope to see you soon in the dressing room. I love you!"



The Argentine attacker's sentiments were echoed by compatriot Javier Mascherano, who considers Abidal far more than just a team-mate.



"Abi, even though I have known you less than two years, you have given me the opportunity to be your friend and being friends with a person like you is something I attach great value to," the former Liverpool midfielder explained. "You are an example to us all. I love you."



Former France internationals Thierry Henry and Zinedine Zidane, and Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal also penned messages of support for Abidal. Lionel Messi is one of several Barcelona players to have sent a message of support to Eric Abidal as he continues his recovery from a liver transplant.The France international is facing an uncertain future in the game after being forced to go under the knife last month, but his Blaugrana team-mates have moved to keep his spirits up by expressing their love and admiration for him in a book put together by France 2."Just to say that you're an example for me," Messi wrote. "Great strength [to you] and I hope to see you soon in the dressing room. I love you!"The Argentine attacker's sentiments were echoed by compatriot Javier Mascherano, who considers Abidal far more than just a team-mate."Abi, even though I have known you less than two years, you have given me the opportunity to be your friend and being friends with a person like you is something I attach great value to," the former Liverpool midfielder explained. "You are an example to us all. I love you."Former France internationals Thierry Henry and Zinedine Zidane, and Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal also penned messages of support for Abidal.