SPAIN (REUTERS) - Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has signed a new contract to keep him at the LaLiga club until 2021, according to a tweet on the club's official Twitter account.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has been at Barcelona for close to two decades, rising through their youth system to become one of the most successful and recognisable footballers in the world.

The Argentinian international's new release clause is reported to have risen to €300 million (S$470 million).

One of the biggest names in sport, the 30-year-old is the all-time top scorer for club and country.

His expansive list of honours includes eight Spanish league titles and four Champions League trophies with Barcelona since his senior debut in 2003.