Messi commits future to Barcelona

Lionel Messi has signed a two-year contract extension with FC Barcelona that ties the 22-year-old Argentina forward to the UEFA Champions League holders until 2016.

New deal
Included among the details of the reigning UEFA Club Footballer of the Year's deal is a release clause of €250m. Speaking after the 22-year-old attacker agreed new terms with the club, coach Josep Guardiola said: "This is immense news, just as it was when Víctor Valdés and Xavi Hernández signed their respective contract extensions. People go to watch football to see the best players and these are the best."

Goals
Having entered the Barcelona youth academy at just 13, Messi progressed through the ranks and – since making his Liga debut against RCD Espanyol in October 2004 – has gone on to score 55 goals in 109 league appearances for the Blaugrana. He was also on target in Rome last May when his goal sealed a 2-0 triumph against Manchester United FC in the final of the UEFA Champions League. After their 0-0 draw at FC Internazionale Milano on Wednesday, Barcelona continue their Group F campaign at home to FC Dynamo Kiyv on 29 September.