MADRID (REUTERS) - Barcelona will offer Lionel Messi a lifetime contract at the club, chief executive Oscar Grau said on Saturday (Oct 21).

Messi, 30, agreed a four-year deal with Barcelona in July, although he has not officially signed it yet.

Grau, speaking at the club's annual general meeting, said the Argentine forward would be offered a similar deal to the one Barca's Spanish midfielder Andres Iniesta signed this month.

"Messi signed a four-year deal in June, but the club will offer him a lifetime contract," Grau told club members.

"The idea is for Leo, who has been here since he was little, to stay here for life, as he is an icon. After he finishes playing we want him to remain linked to the club."