Lionel Messi has sent his former Barcelona strike partner Samuel Eto’o Fils best wishes ahead of the Cameroonian’s participation in his African country’s FA presidential elections.

Messi has released a short video in Spanish saying ‘Hello Samuel, best wishes as you take part in Cameroon football election.”

In reply via his tweeter handle, Eto’o said: Gracias@TeamMessi for your message of support. Less than two weeks to go #Fecafoot.

Messi and Eto’o played together at the Spanish giants and won trophies including Uefa Champions League under managers such as Pep Guardiola.

The Cameroonian went to have a stellar career elsewhere at Inter Milan, Everton and Chelsea before hanging up his boots two years ago.

Earlier this month, Eto’o submitted his candidacy papers for next month’s Football Federation of Cameroon (FECAFOOT) presidential elections scheduled for December 11 2021 polls.

“Today, I have officially submitted my candidacy for the upcoming @FecafootOfficie elections. I am honoured to be able to do so, and I hope that I can help reform the federation and take our beloved sport to the next level,” Eto’o tweeted after presenting the papers.

The 40-year-old is set to square up against Seidou Nyoya Mbobo, Jules Denis Onana, Emmanuel Maboang Kessack and Ivo Chi during the December 11 elections coming a month before Cameroon hosts the Africa Cup of Nations finals.

The presidency fell vacant after the Court of Arbitration for Sport cancelled the tenure of the incumbent Mbobo.

Eto’o wants to emulate former Africa football greats such as Kalusha Bwalya who became Zambia FA president during which time the Chipolopolo won the Africa Cup of Nations title in 2012 for the first time.