Lionel Messi agrees to new $27 million dollar per year Barcelona contract as Atletico Madrid clash approaches

Tonight Barcelona will take on Atletico Madrid, with the winner being crowned La Liga champions, but perhaps more importantly, today, Lionel Messi signed a new contract with the club. He had been in discussion for a while, but today they agreed terms on a deal that will see the star earn $27 million per season, making him the best-paid player in the world, topping elite rival Cristiano Ronaldo.

Barcelona released a statement saying "Barcelona has reached an agreement to adjust the terms in the contract binding Leo Messi to the club as a professional first team player. The revised and updated contract will be signed over the next few days." The news is sure to put a smile on the faces of the Barcelona fans, particularly as he was linked with a blockbuster transfer to Manchester City this summer.

Some are asking "Is Lionel Messi worth this much money?", but the evidence suggests so. The superstar has scored 354 goals in 424 games, scored at least 40 goals five seasons straight and he has scored a goal, made a key pass or assist every 23.6 minutes this season. So it would seem the four-time world player of the year is easily worth the hefty fee his club have agreed to pay him.

Can Messi continue this form for years to come, and will he ever grace another club, perhaps a Premier League club? For now he's Barcelona's man, and he looks to lead them to more glory for years to come. Does this add to the belief that he's a better player than Ronaldo?