Barca trio renew contracts

Messi celebrates breaking Gerd Muller's goalscoring record Barcelona - Arabstoday Barcelona players Lionel Messi, Carles Puyol and Xavi Hernández have renewed their contracts at the Nou Camp, the club has confirmed. Star player Messi's two year extension to his current deal ties him down to the La Liga leaders until June 30, 2018. Defender Puyol has signed a three year extension to remain at the club until June 30, 2016. Finally, Xavi Hernández has the option to renew his contract upon expiry in 2014, by two years to 2016. The news of agreement between the club and players was announced on Barcelona's official website. The statement adds that all three footballers will officially sign their new contracts over "the next few weeks." Messi recently broke German Gerd Muller's 40-year record for the most goals scored during a calender year, when he scored his 86th goal of 2012 against Real Betis.