Lionel Messi has extended his contract with Barcelona for two years until 2018, dpa quted the Spanish league leaders as saying on Thursday. It was the sixth time that the Argentine idol had extended his contract with Barca since making his debut in 2004. According to media reports, his annual salary has been increased to around 13 million euros (17.6 million dollars), making him one of the highest-paid players in world football. Messi, 25, has scored 34 league goals for Barca this season, leaving him on course to break the record of 50 goals that he himself established last season. The FIFA World Player has also set a new record by scoring in 12 consecutive league matches for Barca, who are nine points clear atop La Liga. Messi is the third Barca player to extend his contract recently, following in the footsteps of veteran heroes Xavi and Carles Puyol. -- SPA
