Messi: I could end my career in Argentina

The four-time Ballon d'Or winner has extended his contract until 2018 with Barcelona, but says he has not ruled out ending his career back in his home country

Barcelona's Lionel Messi has said he could end his career back in his native Argentina.

Messi recently signed a new deal with the Liga side until 2018, by which time he will be 31, and revealed that while Barcelona will be the only European club he will play for, he could return to his homeland to finish his career.

“I have said it before, in Europe I’d like to end my career at Barca," he told the FCBarcelona.com.

"I wouldn’t consider moving to another European club. With that said, I’m not ruling out the possibility of ending my playing career in Argentina."

But Messi also said that he was delighted with his new deal, adding: “I’m very happy at Barcelona, I’ve always said that.

"It’s a fantastic day."

Messi also spoke about the upcoming match against Getafe, which is scheduled to kick off at 11:00GMT on Sunday, February 10.

“I don’t think it will by any different to play at 12.00," he said. "We’ve all done it when we were with the youth teams. Besides, we all train at noon - we’re used to it.”