Messi signs New Deal with FC Barcelona 

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu says he always expected Lionel Messi to sign a new contract and says that the renewal is 'great news...for the football world'.

Messi has agreed a new four-year deal at the Catalan giants, tying him to the club until 2021.

It would have been a huge surprise for the five-time Ballon d'Or winner to walk away from the side that have propelled him to the status of an all-time great.

And Bartomeu was not worried about optimistic potential suitors interrupting negotiations.

"Personally, I was always convinced that he'd renew his contract for the next four years," he said.

"This is great news not just for Barca fans, but for the football world in general.

"Leo Messi's story is one of loyalty and commitment. He's the greatest player in football history and has been at Barca since he was just 13. And the story continues.

"The fact he's staying for another four years means that things are going well, and will go well, and we are very happy for him and the Barca family.