Barcelona star Lionel Messi would receive a lifetime contract, informed the Chief Executive of Barcelona Oscar Grau, ending the ongoing dilemma over the star player's affiliation with the club.
In an official statement, Barcelona said the Argentine has agreed to sign a contract with the club until 30 June 2021. The club is, however, looking for a new contract which will tie him up with Barcelona till the end of his career.
The contract would be similar to the midfielder Andres Iniesta's 'contract for life' agreement, which has been already signed by the 33-year-old footballer in early October.
"Messi signed a four-year deal in June, but the club will offer him a lifetime contract," the CEO said as quoted by Sky Sports.
"The idea is for Leo, who has been here since he was little, to stay here for life as he is an icon. After he finishes playing we want him to remain linked to the club," he further added.
Messi, who mesmerized the local teams when he was just 13-year-old, joined Barcelona in 2000 after playing for Newell's Old Boys. Gradually he impressed the club with his unique performance and joined the senior team in 2004.
During his journey with Barcelona, he achieved eight La Liga trophies, five Copa del Rey, four UEFA Champions League titles and three UEFA Super Cups.
Also captain of the national team of Argentina, Messi has won five Ballon d'Or awards including other prestigious trophies such as FIFA World Cup Golden Ball, European Golden Shoe, FIFA World Player of the Year among others.
On 18 October, 2017 Messi scored his 100th goal in the European competition against the Greek club Olympiakos during a Champions League match.
