The Argentine signed the new deal, which will run until the summer of 2021, on Saturday morning.

His previous contract was due to expire next summer, sparking speculation that he could quit Barcelona.

Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain were linked with Messi.

But Barca have moved to block any chance of them signing the player - assuming that the release clause is not triggered.

Indeed, Barca have worked hard to make sure there is a large enough clause in the 30-year-old’s new deal.

Spanish players must have clauses in their contracts and Barca were caught out by PSG last summer when the French club paid £200m up front to sign Neymar - much to Barca’s fury.

The threat of Messi leaving the club has rumbled on since Neymar’s departure.

Barca recently pinned Andres Iniesta down to a new contract and have now secured arguably their most important player.

Messi continues to be the kingpin of this Barcelona side, which is riding high at the top of La Liga.

He has not scored in their last four games yet still boasts 16 goals for the season so far.

Messi will be 34 by the time his new deal expires, so may have at least one move in him if a club fancies their chances with the superstar at that age.