Messi signs two-year Barca contract extension

Madrid: Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has signed a two-year contract extension with the European champions until 2016, the club said on Friday.The Argentina international`s improved deal includes a buyout clause worth 250 million euros (226 million pounds), the club said on their website .

Barca president Joan Laporta said this week the 22-year-old, a favourite to win this year`s FIFA World Player of the Year award, was poised to agree a new contract that would make him the club`s best-paid player. Barca gave no details of Messi`s annual net salary but Spanish media reported he would be earning 10.5 million euros per season after taxes. "It`s a huge piece of news for the club and the player that Messi can renew his contract," coach Pep Guardiola said at a news conference. "People go to the stadiums to see good football and the fact that Barca has some of the best players in the world like Messi is a privilege." Bureau Report