Lionel Messi refused a request from Barcelona to raise his buyout clause ahead of signing his new deal today. The Argentine will extend his agreement with Barca to 2018, but turned down their request to up his buyout clause - which will remain at €250 million, says Marca.

While an extraordinary figure, there is concern within the Nou Camp that one of the new owners entering football, like at Manchester City and PSG, are capable of meeting the price and taking Messi away from the club.

Today's contract signing will be the SIXTH time he has put pen to paper with Barca.