Lionel Messi's new contract will make him the highest-paid player in the world, according to Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu.
While the likes of Neymar, Javier Mascherano and Sergio Busquets have all extended their current Barca deals in recent months, Messi is yet to agree a new contract, increasing speculation the forward could leave the club in the future.
Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo have also penned new deals, becoming two of the highest paid players in the world during the process, but Bartomeu has claimed Messi will be given a deal which reflects his status in the game as arguably the best player in the world.
🔊 @jmbartomeu: "I will rate this year as an 8 out of 10. In 2017 the objective will be to improve that and reach our objectives" #FCBlive pic.twitter.com/OC6EYIJAqP
"There are no doubts that sooner or later we will close [Messi's] renewal," Bartomeu said at a news conference as quoted byESPN.
"I hope that he ends his sporting career here and after that I'm sure he will remain linked to the club. He is without doubt the best player in the history of the game and we will make a huge effort to renew his contract.
"For me, the Ballon d'Or should have been won by Messi every year. When you hear the rest of the world speak about him, there's no possible doubt. You don't need to be a Barca fan to recognise the merits of Messi the player. He's No. 1 without doubt.
"Messi is a Barcelona player, he feels Barca in his heart. I need to sit down and talk with him and his representatives [in the New Year] and I think he's convinced he's in the best place. We are, too."
Messi currently has 12 goals and three assists in 13 La Liga appearances so far this season, while he has also been in impressive form in the Champions League, netting 10 strikes in five games.