Spanish league

Messi extends contract to 2018

BARCELONA — Lionel Messi signed a two-year contract extension with Barcelona yesterday, tying him to the Spanish club for the better part of his already stellar playing career. With his previous contract set to expire in 2016, Messi will now remain at Barcelona until June, 2018.

The 25-year-old forward joined Barcelona when he was 13, and debuted with the first team three years later. He has gone on to become Barcelona’s all-time leading scorer en route to helping the team lift numerous trophies and winning four consecutive FIFA World Player of the Yyear awards.

Messi said that he wanted to play for Barcelona until possibly ending his career back in his native Argentina.

AP