Barcelona have locked up their most valuable asset after Lionel Messi committed his future to the club by signing a lucrative new deal.

The Argentine superstar has agreed a new contract with Barcelona, tying him to the club until 2021.

The forward’s previous deal was due to expire in 2018, with the three-year extension ensuring he is contracted at Camp Nou for at least the next four years.

The formal signing of the contract is expected to take place after the Argentina international, currently on honeymoon after his wedding to Antonella Roccuzzo, has returned for pre-season training.

Messi, who turned 30 last month, has spent his entire senior career with Barcelona and made his debut in 2004.

In an astonishing career, he has won La Liga eight times and the Champions League on four occasions, among a total of 29 club trophies.

He has scored a record 507 goals for Barcelona and netted 54 times in 52 appearances last season.

Messi has won the Ballon d’Or five times, although just one of those awards have come in the last four years, with Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo expected to win again in 2017.

The Argentina international will turn 34 as this new contract reaches its conclusion.

– This story originally appeared on FourFourTwo.co.za