Messi set to extend Barcelona contract until 2023

Lionel Messi is set to extend his contract with Barcelona until the summer of 2023, according to Mundo Deportivo.

The Argentine superstar has been setting the football world alight for over 15 years now, all spent at the Camp Nou. His current deal reportedly allows him to leave for free at end of each season, though the clause has a set deadline which has expired for this year. He reportedly had a spat with the club’s hierarchy at one point this season, and it was reported that he could, as a result, leave this summer to join either Inter Milan, or former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

The 32-year-old’s contract is set to expire next year, so the new one should basically be a two-year extension under the same terms. It means he would still be allowed to leave at the end of each season if he wants, but it is believed that the extension would greatly enhance the chances of him retiring at Barcelona.