Barcelona are reportedly on the verge of announcing that Lionel Messi has signed a new contract with the club.

The six-time Ballon d'Or winner's future has been the subject of intense speculation as he is due to become a free agent on Thursday.

However, Barca have been confident of persuading the Argentina international to commit to fresh terms since Joan Laporta took over as president in March.

Spanish outlet Sport suggests that an agreement is already in place between the Catalans and Messi, with an announcement possibly being made as soon as Wednesday.

Messi, who has spent his entire senior career at Camp Nou, is believed to have put pen to paper on a two-year extension that will take him through to the age of 36.