Lionel Messi and FC Barcelona agreed to a new contract on Saturday morning that will keep the miniature Argentine star with his longtime football club team through 2021. The buyout clause for the new deal was set at 700 million euros, according to a statement from Barca.
Standing about 5-foot-7, Messi has been one of the most creative ball-handlers and scorers in world soccer history, and he is Barcelona's all-time leading goal scorer. His partnership with Barcelona has been hugely successful for both sides.
Messi has won the Ballon d'Or award, given annually to the world's best player, a record five times. And he has led Barcelona to eight La Liga titles, four Champions Leagues, five Copas del Rey, and a slew of other titles.
Forbes estimated that Messi took in $80 million in earnings last year, making him the third-highest paid athlete in the world.
