Barcelona, Spain (My Sportsbook) - Argentina striker Lionel Messi has signed a new seven-year contract to tie him to European champions Barcelona until the summer of 2016.

The 22-year-old has been at the Camp Nou since 2001 and his new deal includes a buyout clause of $368 million.

A statement on the club's official website confirmed: "This Friday Leo Messi extended and improved his contract which links him to FC Barcelona.

"The Argentinean will be azulgrana until 2016 and has, from now, a release clause of $368 million.

"Having previously had a contract until 2014 with a clause of $220 million the club have improved the player's deal.

"With this new contract, Leo Messi ensures he will be azulgrana for 15 years, having started his career at Barca in 2001, in the youth sectors of the club."

Barca head coach Pep Guardiola added: "It's an immense piece of news for the club and for the player that Messi is renewing his contract. As it also was when Victor Valdes and Xavi did so.

"People go to football to see the best and that's what they are. It's a privilege for Barca to have some of the best footballers like Messi."

(Courtesy of sportbox.tv)