Barcelona have extended Lionel Messi’s contract until June 30, 2021 – just days after he wed his childhood sweetheart in Argentina.

“The deal will be signed in the coming weeks, when Messi returns to the team for pre-season training,” the club said in a statement.

News of the extension puts an end to rumours linking the maestro away from the Nou Camp, with Messi’s new terms reportedly containing a €300m release clause and the option of an extra year with Blaugrana.

His current contract was due to run out in June 2018.

The 30-year-old Argentina international joined FC Barcelona in 2000 when he was just 13 years old in the youth training centre.

Now, with 507 goals scored in 583 official matches, Messi is the club’s all time leading scorer and is widely considered as the best player of all time.