July 5 – Rumours of Lionel Messi’s possible departure from Barcelona have been well and truly crushed after the Argentine superstar agreed a contract extension which will keep him at his boyhood club until 2021.
Barca have stood steadfastly behind Messi during his troublesome tax affairs and Spanish reports said the 30-year-old, who joined aged 13, will sign the new deal when he returns to training from pre-season.
“The club is very happy with the renewal and commitment of Messi, the best player in history,” Barca said in a statement.
The Argentina forward has scored a club-record 507 goals in 583 matches since his competitive debut in 2004. He is also La Liga’s record scorer on 349 goals.
Barca added Messi has “led the team to an era of extraordinary success, the likes of which has never been seen in world football”.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is currently on vacation following his wedding.
Messi’s current deal was due to expire next summer and there had been speculation that he could leave with Manchester City reported to be among the interested parties. Although the new deal has a release clause that is reported to be in the region of €300 million, he is going nowhere for the time being.
It will be the ninth professional contract the Argentina international has signed since he moved to the Camp Nou and commits him to the club until he is 34.
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