Messi signs new deal
Friday, September 18, 2009 @ 8:09 PM
Argentina superstar Lionel Messi has signed a new and improved long-term contract with Barcelona.
The 22-year-old forward has committed his future to the Catalan giants until the summer of 2016.
The talented playmaker helped Barca to UEFA Champions League glory in May and was named runner-up to Cristiano Ronaldo in last year's Fifa World Player of the Year award.
Messi's current deal was due to expire in 2014, and that has now been extended by an additional two years while his minimum release clause has increased from €150million (£135m) to €250m (£225m).
Coach Pep Guardiola helped the Catalan giants claim the treble last season and believes Messi's signature on a new deal is 'immense' for the Liga champions.
"It's an immense piece of news for the club and for the player that Messi is renewing his contract," said Guardiola.
"As it also was when Victor Valdes and Xavi did so. People go to football to see the best and that's what they are.
"It's a privilege for Barca to have some of the best footballers like Messi."
Source: Skysports