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KABUL (SW): The 30-year-old Argentina international Lionel Messi has ended speculation about his future by signing a new contract with Barcelona until 2021.
Messi's previous deal had been due to expire at the end of the season, but this is 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. Barca announced the news in an an official club statement, which read: "FC Barcelona and Lionel Messi signed on Saturday morning a new contract that will keep the Argentinian superstar at the Club through the 2020/21 season." The buyout clause was set at €700m. Thus, by the time the new deal expires, the 30-year-old striker will have spent 17 years with the first team.
Barcelona had already announced that Messi had agreed to a new deal until 2021 in July but the forward had not yet signed the contract himself. There had been some concern over his future as Barca allowed him to edge closer to the end of his deal, espn reported. At various points throughout the last year he was linked with a move away from Catalonia, with a number of clubs reported to be monitoring the situation, including Manchester City.
Messi joined Barca in 2001 from Newell's Old Boys, made his first-team debut against Espanyol in 2004 and has since gone on to win 30 trophies with the club, including eight La Ligas and four Champions Leagues. Messi scored the first of his club record 523 goals — they have come in just 602 matches — against Albacete in May 2005 and has since claimed the Ballon d'Or on five occasions, more than any other player
Messi received his fourth Golden Shoe award on Friday for leading all of Europe's leagues in scoring last season. It was the fourth time the Barcelona forward has received the honor, drawing him even with Real Madrid rival Cristiano Ronaldo as the award record-holders.
Messi scored 37 in the Spanish league, beating out Dutch striker Bas Dost, who netted 34 for Sporting Lisbon in the Portuguese league.
The 30-year-old Messi also led Europe's league in scoring in 2009-10 (34), 2022-12 (50 goals) and 2012-13 (46 goals).
Messi was presented with the trophy by teammate Luis Suarez, who won the award in 2015-16 with 40. Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets also attended the ceremony in Barcelona.
Messi thanked his teammates for helping him score so many goals, while also saying that he enjoys playing more than ever, 13 years since his debut with Barcelona's first team.
“I have never considered myself a forward. I have been lucky enough to score goals,” Messi said. “I have grown both on and off the pitch. I keep improving and adding things to my game, and I enjoy playing more and more.”
ENDS
