Messi signs new deal
Messi becomes the clubs highest paid player
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Friday, 18, Sep 2009 05:52
By Sam Ross.
Lionel Messi has signed a new deal at Barcelona that will see him remain at the Nou Camp until 2016.
The 22-year-old Argentinean extended his current deal to become the highest paid player at the club and now has a buy out clause increased from ?150 million to ?250 million.
It is also reported by Spanish media that the star could be earning up to £9.5 million per season after taxes.
Messi, who is favourite to win this year's Fifa World Player of the Year, joined the La Liga champions as a youngster in 2001 and is now destined to be a Barcelona player for at least 15 years of his career.
Barcelona fans will be hoping he can add to the already long list of trophies he has won with the club - including last season's treble of the Champions League, Primera Liga and Copa del Rey titles.
Barca coach Pep Guardiola expressed his joy at one of his best players signing on.
He said: "It's an immense piece of news for the club and for the player that Messi is renewing his contract.
"It was the same with Victor Valdes and Xavi - 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."