Messi: I could end my career in Argentina

Messi: I could end my career in Argentina

Messi recently signed a new deal with the Liga side until 2018, by which time he will be 31, and revealed that while Barcelona will be the only European club he will play for, he could return to his homeland to finish his career. 

“I have said it before, in Europe I’d like to end my career at Barca," he told the FCBarcelona.com. 

"I wouldn’t consider moving to another European club. With that said, I’m not ruling out the possibility of ending my playing career in Argentina."

But Messi also said that he was delighted with his new deal, adding: “I’m very happy at Barcelona, I’ve always said that. 

"It’s a fantastic day." 

Messi also spoke about the upcoming match against Getafe, which is scheduled to kick off at 12:00CET on Sunday, February 10. 

“I don’t think it will by any different to play at 12.00," he said. "We’ve all done it when we were with the youth teams. Besides, we all train at noon - we’re used to it.”

Messi extends Barcelona contract until 2018

Messi extends Barcelona contract until 2018

The Argentine attacker - who joined the Blaugrana in 2000 - originally had a deal which ended in 2016, though an agreement had been struck in December 2012 for the 25-year-old to remain at the Liga giants.

The Camp Nou star will reportedly earn an annual salary of €11 million after taxes, and has a buy-out clause of €250m in his new contract.

Messi has become the third Barca star to extend his stay after Carles Puyol and Xavi, though goalkeeper Victor Valdes had turned down talks in January and revealed he wants his current contract to run its course.

The forward has helped his side to three Champions League trophies, five Liga titles and many more pieces of silverware during his time at the Catalunya club.

Messi, whose latest extension is his sixth renewal with the Liga leaders, was awarded the Ballon d'Or in January for the fourth consecutive year, beating Real Madrid rival Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo is unfortunate to play in the Messi era, says Larsson

Ronaldo is unfortunate to play in the Messi era, says Larsson

Former Barcelona star Henrik Larsson feels Real Madrid attacker Cristiano Ronaldo is unfortunate to be playing in the same era as Lionel Messi.

Larsson has stressed that Ronaldo has a lot of quality as well, but believes he is no match for the Argentina internationa.

"I don't think there's too much difference between the two of them because they are both great players," Larsson told Xarxa.

"Cristiano is unlucky to be playing at the same time as Messi. Ronaldo is a very good player, but Messi is even better.

"Messi has won the Ballon d'Or in the past few years, four years in a row to be more precise. 

"He is from out of this world. He's so good that it's almost incredible. When you see him with the ball at his feet it's hard to believe that anybody else could do the same. He's a fantastic player to see."

Messi has already netted 34 goals in 22 Liga appearances for Barcelona this term and signed a new contract at Camp Nou until 2018 on Thursday.

Messi competition winner announced!

Messi competition winner announced!

Did you enter last week's competition to win a pair of Adidas AdiZero football boots as worn by Lionel Messi, along with a Barcelona shirt with the superstar's name on the back? 

All you needed to do was subscribe to Goal.com's YouTube channel to be entered into the draw. Well, we can finally announce the lucky prize winner!

The recipient of our prize giveaway is Martin Hesthaven Jensen from Denmark.

Congratulations to Martin and thank you to everyone who entered.

Next week, we will be announcing the winner of our competition to win a pair of Nike Mercurial IX football boots, as worn by Cristiano Ronaldo, along with a Real Madrid shirt with the Portugal international's name on the back.

You can still enter the competition by subscribing to our YouTube channel HERE. The competition ends at 23:59GMT on February 10.

Keep an eye on Goal.com for more exciting competitions coming very soon!

Messi: I'm lucky to play alongside Iniesta

The prolific attacker has voiced his admiration for the 2010 World Cup final hero, and also had his say on the Barcelona philosophy

Lionel Messi has praised Barcelona team-mate Andres Iniesta following his impressive performances this season.

The Spain international has already created 13 goals in 17 league appearances for the Blaugrana this term, and Messi feels honoured to be part of the same team as Iniesta.

"Andres does everything well. He's getting better and better as the years go by: he's won it all and I'm extremely lucky to play alongside him," Messi told Revista Barca.

"I enjoy watching what he does on the pitch, whether in matches or in training sessions – he's a joy to behold."

The Argentine then went on to discuss the Barcelona philosophy, and stressed that it is not about an individual, but about a general idea instead.

"It isn't about a specific coach. It's based on an idea, a top-down line of thinking that all the coaches follow. That's always been the way the academy has been run."

Barcelona are currently preparing for Saturday's La Liga game away against Granada.