Lionel Messi likely to end European career with FC Barcelona

Lionel Messi said on Thursday when he signed a two-year contract extension that he envisions playing only for FC Barcelona while in Europe.

Messi, 25, also believes he’ll end his playing days in Argentina.

“I have said before that as far as Europe goes I would like to end my career at Barcelona,” the club’s all-time leading scorer said. “I don’t think about playing for any other team on the continent. That said, I don’t rule out ending my playing career in Argentina.”

The four-time reigning FIFA world player of the year who joined Barcelona as a 13-year-old and made his first appearance with the powerhouse at 17, is now under contract through 2018, when he will be 31 and at the end of his prime. The value of his contract is now believed to be worth $14.75 million a year.

“I’m very happy at Barcelona, I have always said so. It’s a great day,” Messi said. “I don’t know how I will be when I reach 31. I just go forward day by day and try to enjoy playing football here.”

Barcelona has won five Spanish league championships, three Champions League crowns and two FIFA world club titles with Messi, who has set scoring records galore during his tenure, including 91 in a calendar year.

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