Messi reportedly to sign 7-year extension

Lionel Messi is set to pen a new contract with Barcelona that will tie him to the club for the foreseeable future, according to club president Joan Laporta.

The Blaugrana have made their move in order to stop clubs circling round the Argentine star, with Inter Milan particularly associated with the diminutive dribbler.

Negotiations between the club and Jorge Messi, the player's father and agent, have been ongoing and a deal is now close to being concluded, Laporta has confirmed.

Speaking to Catalunya Radio, Laporta explained he was confident of an agreement, which is reported to be for seven years, being made "within the next week."

"He's the best player in the world and one of the best in the history of the game," Laporta told the radio station. "He's comfortable here and that's why he plays the way that he does."