Fc Barcelona have officially announced the deal to extend the contract of star man Lionel Messi until 2021.

The 5 time BalonD'or winner's contract deal was due to expire in 12 months, But he has signed a new four-year, €570,000-a-week deal with his release clause now set at  €300 million.

The deal will be signed in the coming weeks, when he returns to the team for preseason training.

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.

In addition, he has become the top scorer in the club's history (507) and in La Liga history (349) and breaking several other records along the way.

Barca have now tied down all three members of their famous attacking trio 'MSN' to new deals.

The team will begin the new season under the guidance of coach Ernesto Valverde after Luis Enrique decided to step down after three years in charge.

By Daraja Mutari/Ghanaguardian.com