Speaking after Barcelona’s convincing 5-2 victory over Atletico Madrid, Messi gave the following comments to AS: 
“Their defence put some strong challenges in, but that is part of football.”

“I am happy with this week, with the contract renewal and this win. I have always felt loved here. The club has understood my feelings. The new contract is not about the money, it is about feelings.”

Barca’s next test is a trip to El Sardinero to play Racing Santander on Tuesday night. A fixture which Messi scored a brace in last season off the substitutes bench.

Lionel Messi scored two goals and made another as Champions Barcelona gave Atletico Madrid a footballing Lesson in the Nou Camp. The Catalans turned in a dominating display from start to finish, emerging 5-2 victors.

The drama started after just 55 seconds, when Henry cannoned an angled drive shot off the crossbar. Barcelona wouldn’t have to wait long for a goal though as Sergio Busquets slipped a precise pass through to Ibrahimovic who slotted passed stand-in goalkeeper Roberto. It would then by two shortly after, this time it was Xavi lifting a delightful ball over the Madrid defence, which was taken down by Messi and duly dispatched into the goal for a two goal cushion inside twenty minutes. Atletico showed glimpses of positive play but their hopes were largely dashed when Dani Alves crashed in a long range free kick off the post to make the scoreline 3-0. Before half-time there was room for a fourth goal, Ibrahimovic and Messi combining well, resulting in the latter crossing for Seydou Keita who tapped in a simple goal. The last act of the half though was Kun Aguero picking up upon Busquet’s horribly loose header, and clipping the ball over Victor Valdes to make the half-time scoreline 4-1

The second half was expectedly a lot slower than the first, with a number of substitutions were made on both sides, not least the introduction of the returning Andres Iniesta. Diego Forlan made things uncomfortable for Barcelona as he made the scoreline 4-2 in the 84th minute after some sloppy Barcelona defending. But Barcelona hit back with a sensational injury time goal to seal the points. Coming from the right, Iniesta played the ball to Daniel Alves who then flicked the ball back to Spaniard, who in turn cut inside the defender and played the ball back to Alves, who stroked the ball to the onrushing Messi to lash the ball into the corner with his right foot. A brilliant goal to cap a wonderful attacking display.

Barcelona have announced in a statement on its website Friday that his new agreement runs until Leo Messi has signed a two-year extension onto his contract, taking him through to the summer of 2016.

It is confirmed to contain a a buyout clause of 250million Euros. In comparison to this, his previous contract was to expire in 2014 and had a buyout clause of 150million Euros. Reports suggest that Messi has become Barca’s highest earner, with his salary increasing to 9.5million Euros per year.

Coach Pep Guardiola has spoken of his joy on Leo’s commitment to his Catalan club. “It’s an immense piece of news for the club and for the player that Messi is renewing his contract,” said Guardiola. “It was the same with Victor Valdes and Xavi – people go to football to see the best and that’s what they are. “It’s a privilege for Barca to have some of the best footballers like Messi.”

After recent criticism from the media after a poor performance against Brazil, Leo Messi has stood up for himself and his team mates, defending his side.

Messi said “Argentina will play the World Cup. It would be horrible if it didn’t.” to magazine France Football.”

When asked about the comparisons in styles of play, Barces offensive style came out winner, with Leo stating: “You can’t compare, they’re different partners. I love the Barsa strategy, I’m used to it. We attack, we’re trully offensive,”

lionel-messi.co.uk still believe that Argentina willl be at South Africa next season, where we will be following Messi’s glory all the way to the finals.