Messi Remains At Camp Nou
It’s been a huge few weeks for Lionel Messi, being presented with his fourth European Golden Shoe and signing the renewal of his contract at FC Barcelona.
Joining Barcelona in 2000 as a 13-year-old, Messi impressed in the youth teams, making his first team debut at only 16 years of age in a friendly, and his official debut against Espanyol at the age of 17. Quickly establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with, Messi has continued his impressive form, winning eight La Liga titles, four Champions Leagues, five Copas del Rey, three European Super Cups, seven Spanish Super Cups and three World Cups.
Playing in one of the world’s most followed football teams, millions of football fans in countries all over the world admire the Argentinian and closely follow his career, impressive performances and latest announcements.
The globally respected footballer has used his reputation to launch his own lines of branded merchandise, with his football boots flying off the shelves in both adults’ and children’s sizes. Through his work in communities, Messi has become one of the most recognised footballers on the planet, using his popularity to help the disadvantaged, setting up the Lionel Messi Foundation, which has helped fund medical centres and research in Argentina, Spain and around the world.
Becoming La Liga’s all-time leading goalscorer, Messi has scored 523 goals in 602 games and has been named the World’s 9th Most Valuable Athlete by Forbes in 2017. Messi has won the Ballon d’Or award more than any other player in history, overtaking Ronaldo to take the title an incredible five times as the two continue their impressive rivalry in the Spanish league.
Having begun his professional career at FC Barcelona, Messi looks set to stay as his latest contract renewal will see the legendary footballer remain at the Camp Nou until at least June 2021. With a buyout clause of €700m, it is looking increasingly likely that Messi will remain at FC Barcelona for the rest of his professional playing career, with this contract taking him up to 34 years of age, as well as marking 17 years in Barcelona’s first team.
