Lionel Messi: Barcelona forward to extend contract until 2018

Lionel Messi has agreed a new contract with Barcelona, keeping him at the Spanish club until 2018.
The Argentina international, 25, has enjoyed a record-breaking year for club and country, scoring 90 goals in 2012.
Defender Carles Puyol, 34, and midfielder Xavi Hernandez, 32, have also agreed new deals that will keep them at Barcelona until 2016.
"In the coming weeks Puyol, Xavi and Messi will sign their respective new contracts," the club confirmed.

"This news means that FC Barcelona has secured its ties with three of its most important players."
Messi's current deal expires in June 2016, with Puyol's running until 2013 and Xavi until 2014.
All three players are products of the club's famed academy.
Messi has been with Barcelona since he was 13 and made his league debut as a 17-year-old against RCD Espanyol on 16 October 2004.

- BBC.co.uk