The five-times world player of the year agreed the new contract with Barcelona in July but the Catalan club did not release the usual photo of the player putting pen to paper, fuelling speculation he could depart in June 2018.
Football legend Lionel Messi has signed a new contract with FC Barcelona until 2021, the La Liga leaders confirmed, ending speculation that the five-times world player of the year could leave the club where he has spent his entire career next June.
"FC Barcelona and Lionel Messi signed on Saturday morning a new contract that will keep the Argentine superstar at the Club through the 2020/21 season," said a statement from Barca, posting a picture of Messi signing the deal alongside president Josep Maria Bartomeu.
"The buyout clause was set at 700 million euros ($835.10 million)."
