Forward Lionel Messi has signed a new four-year contract with Barcelona.

With the Argentine's previous deal expiring in 2018, there had been speculation over where the 30-year-old would spend the latter stages of a glittering career after representing Barca's first team since the 2004-05 season.

However, despite having the opportunity to move on at the end of the next campaign, Messi has opted to commit his future to the Catalan giants until 2021.

It has been reported that there is a release clause of €300m (£263.1m) in Messi's contract, while both parties have the option of adding another 12 months to his terms.

In total, Messi has scored 507 goals in 583 appearances in all competitions, with eight La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns among his achievements at the club.

However, Barca and Messi missed out on both trophies last season as Real Madrid registered a rare league and European double.