Pep Guardiola is delighted that Barcelona are on the verge of tying Lionel Messi to a new long-term deal.

The Argentinian superstar is today expected to put pen to paper on a new contract which will keep him at Camp Nou until 2016. And the Barça coach is overjoyed at the news.

"It's an immense piece of news for the club and for the player that Messi is renewing his contract," said Guardiola. "As it also was when Victor Valdes and Xavi did so.

"People go to football to see the best and that's what they are. It's a privilege for Barça to have some of the best footballers like Messi."

The 22-year-old, whose current contract is set to run out in 2014, will become the best-paid player at the club, while his release clause has also been increased from €150m to €250m.

Messi joined Barcelona as a youth-team player in 2000.