Sport gist

Messi close to new Barcelona contract which will make him the world's best-paid player

Lionel Messi is close to agreeing a new contract with Barcelona that will keep him at the Catalan club for four more years, with the option of one more.


The Argentine attacker, who turned 30 on Saturday, is currently in his homeland where he will marry childhood sweetheart and longtime partner Antonella Roccuzzo later this week.

An agreement is in place with Barca to extend his current contract, which expires in 2018, and once the final details are finalised, it should be signed in July when the five-time Ballon d'Or winner returns to Spain.

Lawyers representing the club and also the player have met to draw up a contract, but Barca were keen to wait until July in order for the costs to be included in the budget for next season.