The Argentine superstar sent the footballing world into meltdown little less than a year ago as he revealed he wanted to leave the club he’s represented since 2000.
To say Messi has become an integral part of the Barcelona team since making his debut for the senior side in 2003 would be a little bit of an understatement.
The 33-year-old has gone on to become Barcelona’s all-time leading goalscorer, spearheading their charge towards four Champions League crowns and ten La Liga titles.
Despite remaining at Camp Nou following the revelation he wanted to leave the club, speculation surrounding his future has continued to swirl, yet Spanish journalist Miguel Rico now reports that a new two-year deal as been agreed that will see Messi remain in Catalonia.
The news comes mere hours after Barça confirmed the arrival of Messi’s international colleague and friend Sergio Aguero, perhaps no coincidence given one of the main reasons Messi was said to be unhappy at Barcelona last summer was the club’s decision to sell close friend Luis Suarez to rivals Atletico Madrid.
The Blaugrana have a huge transfer window ahead of them as they look to regain their La Liga crown having missed out on the Spanish title in both of the last two seasons.
Given their eye-watering debts, the club are being forced to scour the free-agent market in their bid to bolster their squad, with Georginio Wijnaldum and Memphis Depay both said to be on their summer wish list.
The club have already secured two free signings following the arrivals of Aguero and his former Manchester City teammate Eric Garcia.
